Semantics
One way connotative meaning is applied in the classroom is through literary devices such as metaphors and similes. Contrary to what many teachers may think, these figurative language devices typically do not cause much difficulty for ELLs because they are often based on a denotative rather than connotative meaning. The imagery involved in a metaphor will usually convey the true meaning behind its crafty language. This supports the importance of nonlinguistic representations, or visuals within our classrooms, as well as the use of picture dictionaries. When the mental picture is painted, so to speak, little additional explanation is necessary. Moreover, comprehension and retention will increase significantly with the consistent and intentional use of nonlinguistic representations (visuals) since the brain naturally thinks in images. When visuals are incorporated into new learning, more of the brain is involved in the learning process than if using strictly text. Using visuals makes new concepts more comprehensible and easier to commit to long-term memory.
Non-native English speakers, with a grade equivalent in his or her mother tongue, can easily understand expressions such as the following:
- the shoulders of the road
- the eye of a needle
- the wall has ears
- blind as a bat
- dirty as a pig
- black as coal
If a student knows the denotative meaning of each of the words, he or she will be able to figure out this figurative language. On the contrary, when ELLs have to interpret idiomatic expressions like:
- Nowadays teens are going to the dogs.
- Senator Cook put his foot in his mouth.
- It’s raining cats and dogs.
or slang such as:
- really cool
- what a rip-off
- let’s split
they enter a totally different ball game. Even with the best dictionary, understanding the intended meaning will not be an easy task! ELLs have to learn these expressions through direct instruction or personal experience through social interactions.
One way to clarify these idiomatic expressions is to simply paraphrase where the meaning is denotative.
| Idiomatic Expression |
Paraphrase |
|---|---|
| Can you give me a ride? | Can you take me in your car to the station? |
| She was pulling your leg. | She was joking with you. |
| Cut through the red tape. | Stop all this bureaucracy. |
| I turned you in. | I told the police about your crime. |
Many books and dictionaries pertaining to idiomatic expressions have been published for ESOL students and parents and can be used as a supplement for ELLs to explore informal, social English:
