This article is dedicated to the analysis of the oxymoron. The aim of the article is to define its functions in speech. The quotes of US presidents are taken as example. The terms «paradox» and «oxymoron» are compared to identify the features of the latter one.
Keywords: oxymoron, paradox, function, speech.
Speech is communication which plays important role in life. Politicians and leaders have to be effective communicators in order to rise to the top of the political pyramid — oratory talents of a person may determine the results in elections, for example. Undoubtedly, politicians need to be intelligent but they also need to be impressive. It is highly crucial to be able to communicate effectively to millions of people — attract their attention with various expressive means and deliver the meaning of the message. Besides, speech indicates the intelligence level of a person.
Oxymoron is a figure of speech pairing two words together that are opposing and/or contradictory. This combination of contrary or antithetical words is also known in conversation as a contradiction in terms. As a literary device, oxymoron has the effect of creating an impression, enhancing a concept, and even entertaining the reader. The phrase original copy is a good illustration of an oxymoron. This is a pairing of opposing words that contradict each other. If something is original, then it is not a copy. In turn, if something is a copy, then it is not original. Yet, original copy as an oxymoron commonly and figuratively means that the content of the copy is original. [2]
However, people get confused when they try to differ oxymoron from paradox. Paradox is a stylistic device in which a statement or group of statements features initially contrasting ideas that may sound absurd but can be true. Paradoxes make sense and lead to an underlying truth. Moreover, it draws on complicated themes and philosophical concepts. The example of paradox is:
« The only new thing in this world, is the history you did not know. » [Harry S. Truman]
Oxymoron is also a stylistic device but its scale is much limited, mostly to the combination of words, compared to paradox. This means that oxymoron is a figure of speech that includes just a couple of contradictory words that are paired together rather than a full statement of ideas. Oxymoron phrases can be figuratively true, but not literally true.
Stylistics uses the data of lexicology, grammar, phonetics, semasiology, phraseology, etc. However, unlike these disciplines, it is not concerned with the elements of language as such, but with their expressive potential in context—their stylistic function. Stylistic function is defined as the expressive potential of the interaction of linguistic means in the text, which provides transmission along with subject-logical content of the text also embedded in expressive, emotional, evaluative and aesthetic information. While these branches of linguistics study the entire system of linguistic means of the corresponding level in general, stylistics considers their expressive qualities, their functioning and interaction in the transmission of thoughts and feelings in a given text and, consequently, their role in the ideological impact of the text on the reader. This refers to the integral personality of the reader, and not just his logical thinking. [1]
Similarly, oxymoron like other stylistic devices (metaphor, hyperbole, allegory etc.) has different functions in text and speech which are quite useful under particular conditions because it can demonstrate the linguistic skills of a person — rarely is it possible to use oxymoron in a text or speech and an individual should know words, though opposing, will work together to have an effect on the reader or listener. Besides that, there should be figurative or underlying meaning to the phrase.
One of the functions of oxymoron is to enhance drama. It enhances critical thinking because the word pair reveals a great difference in quality. Therefore, a listener should take a pause to understand and process the meaning which,basically, makes person think. An example of oxymoron can be traced in the following quotes:
«…But this peaceful revolution of hope cannot become the prey of hostile powers.» [John F. Kennedy]
«…born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace , proud of our ancient heritage,…» [John F. Kennedy]
«I think you're going to see those numbers really skyrocket downward .» [Donald Trump]
Phrases like « peaceful revolution » and « bitter peace » create a significant dramatic effect — rarely are words «revolution», «bitter» associated with «peace». Listener starts wondering how this situation occurred or how it looks like in reality.
Whereas words « skyrocket downward » paired together leave a strong impression of dramatic decrease of numbers. A listener can momentarily stop to think and visualize the scale of changes.
Another function of oxymoron that can be featured in the speech is entertainment. Oxymorons present an ideal opportunity to be clever or funny. The inherent setup of contradictory words works great for jokes and other witty statements. For instance:
«I call it truthful hyperbole . It’s an innocent form of exaggeration and a very effective form of promotion.» [Donald Trump]
Word pair «truthful hyperbole» is intelligent and witty way to refer to the «lie» which can sound like a «truth». This phrase creates an exaggerated image of something that makes person believe it.
In addition, oxymoron can serve as a language means which is used to express a sense of irony. Speech of the 40 th president of United States of America fits this description:
«…We have listened to the wisdom of in an old Russian maxim, though my pronunciation may give you difficulty. The maxim is ‘Doveryay, no proveryay’ — ‘Trust but verify’…» [Ronald Reagan]
The first thing that come to mind that Russian proverb « Trust but verify » is not expressed by the word pair because of conjunction «but». Yet such oxymorons can exist. Despite the fact that words «trust» and «verify» are not opposite, they can seem contradictory when combined.
One more function to mention is oxymoron present words in a new way — two absolutely contrasting concepts placed next to each other result in accentuation of their meanings. For example, the word pair «deafening silence» presents the word «silence» in a different way as we used to believe that silence can be calm or tense and the addition of «deafening» attracts more attention to it.
Nevertheless, it should be mentioned oxymoron can create difficulties in comprehending the speech given too frequently — the listeners may be either distracted or bored. The effect implemented by oxymoron will be achieved only in sparing use.
To conclude, it can be said that oxymoron is a literary device mostly expressed in a pair of opposite words that has different functions such as enhancement of drama, entertainment and implementation of irony. It differs from paradox which presents contradicting ideas or statements. The usage of oxymoron in speech shows the availability of high level of linguistic skills. But the frequency of its occurrence in speech may complicate the process of conveying the meaning.
References:
- Арнольд, И. В. Стилистика. Современный английский язык / И. В. Арнольд. — Москва: Наука, 2015. — 384 c.
- Literary Devices: сайт. — URL: https://literarydevices.net/oxymoron/
