Metonymy and Plain Language

Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Apr 2013

Kim Garwood University of Waterloo

Abstract

Metonymy—the process of representing a concept with an associated element or feature—is a useful strategy for encapsulating or alluding to a larger idea without fully stating it. For metonymies to be successful, however, readers must recognize and be able to compensate for the information that has been omitted. Metonymic omissions can pose a barrier to readers, even in texts that are written in plain language, largely because metonymies operate indirectly: first, by prompting readers to infer information that is not provided; second, by constraining meaning rather than specifying it; and third, by requiring readers to possess the insider knowledge and values of a particular discourse community. These barriers are compounded by the fact that frequently used metonymies become so commonplace that their users may not even be able to detect, let alone address, these omissions.

Journal: Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published: 2013-04-01
DOI: 10.2190/tw.43.2.d
Open Access: Closed
Topics: discourse analysis

Citation Context

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