ABSTRACT
In this unit we explore a common feature of the language of literature – its tendency to deviate from everyday norms of communication. Literary language, especially poetry, differs from everyday language in its deliberate manipulation and exploitation of linguistic norms or rules. We consider briefly the types of linguistic rule that underpin ordinary communication and then explore ways in which these are manipulated in literary communication. The unit concludes with a consideration of what purpose is served in literary communication by breaking linguistic norms or rules.
