Journalistic Languages Lecture 2
In the
following passages, we try to explain;
1.
Journalistic
language VS literary language
2.
Different news
Genres: News, Feature, Column, Editorial
3.
Various genres
in literature: Poetry, prose, drama, documentary
4.
Translation
1.
Journalistic
language VS literary language
To be honest, it is hard to draw a
clear dividing line between the two. But depending on situation, the event a
reporter is writing about, the nature of the medium and the audience and the
purpose of writing, we can identify some distinctions.
Book (Jon Winokur's Writers on Writing)
Literature is the art of writing
something that will be read twice; journalism what will be grasped at once. -
Cyril Connolly
The maker of literature strives to
say a thing once and for all time; while the journalist says it over and over,
with slight variations, every day or week or month.
"The truths of literature are
truths to feeling rather than the truths of experience. Art re-creates. It
reshapes. It expresses an imaginative response to the world. Journalism, by
contrast, communicates experience."
Journalism is written in the heat of
the moment. The response is instant. Copy has to be written to meet the
deadline which is fast approaching. There is no real time for the kind of
reflective consideration which is the finely-honed essay. Journalists, like
learned counsel in court, must think on their feet. They cannot go back and
revise a week later. A week later it is old news and life has moved on.
Journalistic
Language
·
To
inform/provide succinct information, 5w, 1H
·
In a hurry,
(deadlines)
·
In pyramid style
(the first paragraph counts)
·
Short, to the
point
·
Clear, concise,
·
emotions are
mostly kept out of the report
·
Fact-based
·
Accuracy,
factual accuracy
·
Neutral,
objective
·
We avoid giving
our own opinion (however in columns, this is allowed)
Examples: News story/package, editorial, sports news, business news
Tips for
Journalistic Writing
·
Do extensive
Homework,
·
Make yourself
familiar with the people, organization and the nature of their work plus their
audiences
·
Double-check
names of persons, places plus titles and facts/figures.
·
Be brief, and
use the simplest language if you are writing for general masses.
·
Avoid using
specialized jargons, instead, in their place use words that are in everyday use
Literary
Language
·
To convey how
something was felt or will be felt (more touchy, feelings)
·
Does through
creating characters (heroes, villains etc.)
·
Creates
dramatic effects (but not sensationalization)
·
Artistic intent
·
Aesthetic
satisfaction
·
Appeals to
emotions or is more rooted in human emotions
Examples
Poetry,
novel, drama, fiction…
Links
https://indianjournalismreview.com/2007/04/06/the-difference-between-journalism-literature/
________________________________________________________________________
2.
Various genres
of News (writing)
a)
News
There may be one hundred thousand
different definitions of News
The English word NEWS
developed in the 14th century as a special use of the plural form of
NEW
News is information about current
events. Common topics for news reports include war, government, politics,
education, health, the environment, economy, business, fashion, and
entertainment, as well as athletic events, unusual events.
Anything timely that interests a
large number of persons and the best news is that which has the greatest
interest for the greatest number. News is timely report of events, facts,
opinions and interests about a significant no of people.
Types
·
Hard News: Event oriented. Centered on “What, when, where and why.” Major
thrust of newspaper is hard news. Hard news covers news on serious crime e.g.
terrorist attacks, Politics, Foreign affairs, Disasters eg: an earthquake,
·
Soft News: Soft news are news about entertainment, human interest stories and
less serious crime
·
By geography: Local, National or International news
·
By trade/beat: Sports, showbiz, business news, Weather updates/news
NEWS Values
·
Timeliness
·
Proximity
·
Conflict
·
Prominence,
Unusualness
·
Government’s
activities
·
Accuracy
·
Balance
·
Clarity
·
Impact (news
should contribute to the betterment of the society)
____________________________________________
b)
Column
A
column is a recurring piece or article in a newspaper, magazine or other
publication, where a writer expresses their own opinion in few columns allotted
to them by the newspaper organization. What differentiates a column from other
forms of journalism is that it is a regular feature in a publication – written
by the same writer or reporter and usually on the same subject area or theme
each time – and that it typically, but not universally, contains the author's
opinion or point of view. It is always by-line and carries picture of
columnist. 300 words to 1100 words in length.
Types
Book
review, Community correspondent (on/about community issues), Critic's reviews,
Fashion column, Food column, Gossip column, Humor column, Music column, Sports
column etc.
_________________________________________
c)
Editorial
A
brief article written by an editor that expresses a newspaper's or publishing
house's own views and policies on a current issue. If written by an outsider it
normally carries a disclaimer saying the article does not necessarily reflects
the publisher's official views.
Editorial
is the brain of newspaper. It reflects the overall editorial policy of the
organization. Typically, a newspaper's editorial board evaluates which issues
are important for their readership to know the newspaper's opinion on.
Structure of
editorial: Introduction,
body and conclusion
Qualities of a
good editorial
·
An objective
explanation of the issue, especially complex issues
·
A timely news
angle
·
Opinions from
the opposing viewpoint that refute directly the same issues the writer
addresses
·
The opinions of
the writer delivered in a professional manner.
·
Good editorials
engage issues, not personalities and refrain from name-calling or other petty
tactics of persuasion.
·
Alternative
solutions to the problem or issue being criticized. Anyone can gripe about a
problem, but a good editorial should take a pro-active approach to making the
situation better by using constructive criticism and giving solutions.
·
A solid and
concise conclusion that powerfully summarizes the writer's opinion. Give it
some punch.
Four Types of
Editorials
1. Explain
or interpret: Editors often use these editorials to explain the way the
newspaper covered a sensitive or controversial subject.
2. Criticize:
These editorials constructively criticize actions, decisions or situations
while providing solutions to the problem identified. Immediate purpose is to
get readers to see the problem, not the solution.
3. Persuade:
Editorials of persuasion aim to immediately see the solution, not the problem.
From the first paragraph, readers will be encouraged to take a specific,
positive action.
4. Praise:
These editorials commend people and organizations for something done well. They
are not as common as the other three.
Writing an Editorial
1. Pick a significant topic that has a current news angle and would interest
readers.
2. Collect information and facts; include objective reporting; do research
3. State your opinion briefly in the fashion of a thesis statement
4. Explain the issue objectively as a reporter would and tell why this
situation is important
5. Give opposing viewpoint first with its quotations and facts
6. Refute (reject) the other side and develop your case using facts, details,
figures, quotations. Pick apart i.e. deconstruct the other side's logic.
7. Concede a point of the opposition i.e. acknowledge/praise a point of your
opposing party if it is praiseworthy— they must have some good points you can
acknowledge that would make you look rational.
8. Repeat key phrases to reinforce an idea into the reader's minds.
9. Give a realistic solution(s) to the problem that goes beyond common
knowledge. Encourage critical thinking and pro-active reaction.
10. Wrap it up in a concluding punch that restates your opening remark (thesis statement).
11. Keep it to 500 words; make every word count
12. Never use "I" because it represents institutional
rather individual’s point of view
_______________________________________________________
d)
Feature
A feature is a longer
piece of writing than a news story. Features come in many different types and
are widely used in magazines, newspapers and online. A feature will often cover
an issue in greater depth than a news story would do; or it might look at an
ongoing story from a different angle (BBC).
source: BBC
A feature story, as
contrasted with straight news reporting, normally presents newsworthy events
and information through a narrative story, complete with a plot and story
characters. It differs from a short story primarily in that the content is not
fictional. Like literature, the feature story relies upon creativity and
subjectivity to make an emotional connection with the readers and may highlight
some universal aspect of human nature. Unlike straight news, the feature story
serves the purpose of entertaining the readers, in addition to informing them.
Although truthful and based up good facts, they are less objective than
straight news.
Unlike straight news,
the subject of a feature story is usually not time sensitive. Feature stories
are usually written in active voice, with an emphasis on lively, entertaining
prose. (source: https://books.google.com.pk/books?id=TLeRAgAAQBAJ&pg=PT13&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false )
Feature differs from
straight news in one respect — its intent. A news story provides information
about an event, idea or situation. The feature does a bit more. It also may (1)
interpret or add depth and color to the news, (2) instruct or (3) entertain.
How
to write feature?
The feature story
usually does not follow the inverted pyramid style of the news story. Use short
sentences, easy words, personal words and active verbs. With feature stories
you can be more creative.
Use transitions (Transitions
words like after, afterward, at last, before, currently, during, earlier,
immediately, later, meanwhile, now, recently, simultaneously, subsequently,
then etc.) to keep the article moving forward, interest-building devices, and a
"kicker" that ends the feature with some punch.
Make use of short
paragraphs.
Personal
words
Words like
"you," "we," a person's name, direct quote, etc., give your
copy more human interest. Admittedly, this kind of personalization is more
often used in "feature" rather than in "hard news" stories.
But it is still a good technique for holding reader interest.
Links
_____________________________________________
3.
Genresof
literature
a)
Poetry
Literary work in which the
expression of feelings and ideas is given intensity by the use of distinctive
style and rhythm; it creates rather than merely mirror or report. It uses
aesthetic devices and not just semantics to create meaning.Rhetorical devices
such as simile and metaphor are frequently used in poetry.
Types of Urdu
poetry
Hamd: a poem in praise of Allah. The word "hamd" is derived
from the Qur'an, its English translation is "Praise".
Na`at: a poetry that specifically praises the Islamic prophet Muhammad.
Manqabat, Marsiya
Masnavi:
Ghazal: a set of two liner couplets, which strictly should end with the
same rhyme and should be within one of the predefined meters of ghazals. There
has to be a minimum of five couplets to form a ghazal. Couplets may or may not
have the same thought. It is one of the most difficult forms of poetry as there
are many strict parameters that one needs to abide by while writing ghazal. It
is important to think about the topic as well as the theme of a ghazal before
starting to write it. The first line of a ghazal must include a refrain, which
is a word or a phrase that can be easily fitted into the other couplets. Each
couplet of a ghazal is known as Sher (شعر ). The first Sher is called Matla' (مطلع ). The
last Sher is called Maqta' (مقطع ), but only if the poet uses his "Takhalus (تخلص
)".
Nazm: is the basic type of Urdu poetry. It can be written on any topic,
and so a large number of Nazm exist. Urdu poets have covered common life,
philosophical thinking, national issues and the precarious predicament of an
individual human being.
Qasida: usually an ode to a benefactor, a satire, or an account of an
event. It uses the same rhyme system as the ghazal, but is usually longer.[2]
Ruba'iرُباعی, is a poetry style, the Arabic term for "quatrain".
The plural form of the word, rubāʿiyāt, often anglicisedrubaiyat, is used to
describe a collection of such quatrains.
Geet
Haiku (three couplets, some punching line)
Links
http://www.poetry.org/whatis.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urdu_poetry
___________________________________
b)
Prose
Written or spoken language in its
ordinary form without rhythm, rhymes etc. Prose simply means language that
follows the natural patterns found in everyday speech.
Plain language, Uses everyday
language, Sentences and thoughts continue across lines.
Four Types
Nonfictional
prose. Prose that is a true story or
factual account of events or information is nonfiction. Textbooks, newspaper
articles, and instruction manuals all fall into this category. Fictional
prose. A literary work of fiction. This is the most popular type of
literary prose, used in novels and short stories, and generally has characters,
plot, setting, and dialogue.
Heroic prose. A literary work that is either written down or preserved through
oral tradition, but is meant to be recited. Heroic prose is usually a legend,
tales or fable. Adam Khan Durkhany for instance or MalalaMaiwand
Prose poetry. Poetry written in prose form. This literary hybrid can sometimes
have rhythmic and rhyming patterns. A literary work that exhibits poetic
quality – using emotional effects and heightened imagery – but which are
written in prose instead of verse.
Links
https://literarydevices.net/prose/
___________________________________________
c)
Drama
Drama is a mode of
fictional representation through dialogue and performance. It is one
of the literary genres, which is an imitation of some action. Drama is also a
type of a play written for theater, television, radio, and film.
A drama is defined as a piece of
literature of which the intended purpose is to be performed in front of an
audience.
In simple words, a drama is a composition
in verse or prose presenting a story in pantomime or
dialogue. It contains conflict of characters, particularly the ones
who perform in front of audience on the stage. The person who writes
drama for stage directions is known as a “dramatist” or “playwright.”
Types of Drama
A few popular types of drama:
- Comedy –
Comedies are lighter in tone than ordinary works, and provide a
happy conclusion. The intention of dramatists in comedies is to make
their audience laugh. Hence, they use quaint circumstances, unusual
characters, and witty remarks.
- Tragedy –
Tragic dramas use darker themes, such as disaster, pain, and death.
Protagonists often have a tragic flaw — a characteristic that
leads them to their downfall.
- Farce –
Generally, a farce is a nonsensical genre of drama,
which often overacts or engages slapstick humor.
- Melodrama – Melodrama is
an exaggerated drama, which is sensational and appeals directly to the
senses of the audience. Just like the farce, the characters are of a
single dimension and simple, or may be stereotyped.
- Musical Drama –
In musical dramas, dramatists not only tell their stories through acting
and dialogue, but through dance as well as music. Often the story may be
comedic, though it may also involve serious subjects.
Purpose
of drama
Dramas serve the
function of entertainment for the audience. While reading a story is powerful,
watching the story be performed by actors adds a level of realism to the work.
Links
https://literarydevices.net/drama/
_____________________________________________________
d)
Documentary
A non-fiction movie that in some way
"documents" or captures reality.Documentaries are often used to
reveal an unusual, interesting or unknown angle.
The Scottish documentary trailblazer
John Grierson, who first coined the term documentary in 1926, defined it as “a
creative treatment of actuality.” This definition of documentary still
stands strong almost a century later.
"Documentaries bring viewers
into new worlds and experiences through the presentation of factual information
about real people, places, and events, generally -- but not always -- portrayed
through the use of actual images and artifacts. But factuality alone does not
define documentary films; it's what the filmmaker does with those factual
elements, weaving them into an overall narrative that strives to be as
compelling as it is truthful and is often greater than the sum of its
parts." Sheila Curran Bernard
It is a genre of movie making that uses
video & film scenes, photographs and/or sound of real people and real
events which when edited together creates a particular story, viewpoint,
message or experience.
Traditionally, documentaries are
30-minutes to 2 hours in length (to fit within a television schedule or for
theatrical release). However, documentaries are often shorter in length,
especially in recent years with the advent of the Internet and web video.
News tells us what happened; art
explores what it means to be human. Documentary is a sort of synergy of
news and art. It elevates both mediums to a higher form.
Why make
documentary?
Documentary filmmakers are often
motivated to make their films because they feel a particular story or viewpoint
is not being (adequately) covered by mainstream media.
Intended to document reality
primarily for the purposes of instruction, education, or maintaining a
historical record.
“When you look at the great
documentaries, they focus on one person; it’s one person’s struggle.
Types/modes
Six modes of documentary filmmaking
Expository docs
Expository mode docs are heavily
researched. Sometimes referred to as essay films, they aim to educate about
things such as past events, issues or ways of life. Example: Islamic Spain:
When the Moors Ruled in Europe (Alhambra, Granada)
Observational
docs
Observational mode docs strive for
cinematic realism. The form is often referred to as cinema verite. A simpler
description would be the fly on the wall approach of documentary filmmaking.
This type of documentary tends to be low budget, with a small crew and natural
lighting. The filmmaker follows the drama as it unfolds in real-time.
Participatory
docs
Participatory mode documentary shows
the filmmaker and the subject actively interacting in the situation that is being
filmed. The participatory mode often presents the filmmakers point of view and
provides some type of social commentary.
This mode often includes the
director’s voice as the narrative thread throughout the film.
Reflexive docs
Reflexive mode docs are a sort of
construction of reality that can often leave the audience wondering about the
authenticity of the film. mockumentary
Poetic docs
Poetic mode documentary is also
referred to as abstract or avant-garde. This style of documentary emphasizes
form over function, sacrificing narrative arc for a more aesthetically pleasing
presentation.
Performative
docs
Performative mode documentary is
when the filmmaker depicts a larger political or historical reality through
their own POV (point of view). The filmmaker becomes a personal guide and
includes their own emotion as part of the story. In performative mode, the
filmmaker gives a first-person look at what it’s like to be there.
Links
https://www.desktop-documentaries.com/what-is-a-documentary.html
_________________________________________
4.
Translation
Translation is the communication of meaning
from one language (the source) to another language (the target). The purpose of
translation is to convey the original tone and intent of a message, taking into
account cultural and regional differences between source and target languages.
“it is meaning that is
translated in relation to grammar, style and sounds” (Ghazala, 1995).
·
Source Language
SL (the language to be translated)
·
Target Language
TL (into which the original language is translated)
Translation is both a process and a
product. According to Catford (1995), translation is the replacement of textual
material in one language (SL) by equivalent textual material in another
language (TL).
A language is not merely a
collection of words and of rules of grammar and syntax for generating
sentences, but a vast interconnecting system of connotations and cultural
references.
Back-translation
A "back-translation" is a
translation of a translated text back into the language of the original text,
made without reference to the original text. Comparison of a back-translation
with the original text is sometimes used as a check on the accuracy of the
original translation.
Tips
A competent translator is not only
bilingual but bicultural.
The translator needs to have good
knowledge of both the source and the target language, in addition to a high
linguistic sensitivity as he should transmit the writer's intention, original
thoughts and opinions in the translated version as precisely and faithfully as
possible.
amiliarity with the subject matter
of the text being translated;
a profound understanding of the
etymological and idiomatic correlates between the two languages
a finely tuned sense of when to
metaphrase ("translate literally") and when to paraphrase (translate
contextually), so as to assure true rather than spurious equivalents between
the source and target language texts.
Machine
translation (MT)
Think about it? Its implications for
humans. Whether machines will make us lazy or efficient at learning languages?
Links
https://translationjournal.net/October-2017/definition-of-translation.html
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