1、 毕业论文Rhetoric Device in English Speech学 院： 外 语 学 院英 语冯莉 0810203029专 业：姓 名：指导老师：陈晰学 号：职 称：助教中国珠海二一年五北京理工大学珠海学院 2010 届本科生毕业论文毕业设计（论文）诚信承诺书本人承诺呈交的毕业设计（论文）Rhetoric Device in English Speech 是在指导教师的指导下，独立开展研究取得的成果，文中引用他人的观点和材料，均在文后按顺序列出其参考文献，设计（论文）使用的数据真实可靠。本人签名： 日期： 年 月 日北京理工大学珠海学院 2010 届本科生毕业论文IRhetoric
2、 Device in English SpeechABSTRACTSpeech, a formal talk that a person presents to the audiences, to express his/her views or emotions on a specific issue, or to conduct propaganda activities so as to achieve inspiring the audience and promote its action as a information-sharing activities.Rhetoric is
3、 one kind of important expressive device in language. It refers to interpreting abstract and complex ideas or processes through simple and concrete methods. Since rhetoric is full of imagination, it can promote the transmission and communication of emotions and ideas.Rhetoric exists in writings with
4、 various styles, especially, in speech. Rhetoric plays a very important role in English speech, acting as a key element for the success of a speech. The thesis, based on the respective studies of the definition of speech and rhetoric, makes a careful analysis of the use of main rhetorical devices in
5、 English speech, including simile, metaphor, parallelism, alliteration, repetition, antithesis, rhetorical question and so on, targeting at better appreciating English speech, and learn more about the language skills in speech, so as to promote the further understanding of speech.Key Words：English s
6、peech; rhetoric; function北京理工大学珠海学院 2010 届本科生毕业论文II英语演讲中的修辞手法摘 要演讲，是在听众面前就某一问题表达发表自己的见解,抒发情感，或进行宣传鼓动从而达到感召听众并促使其行动的一种信息交流活动的正式演说。修辞是一种重要的语言表达手段，是用简单具体且充满想象的方法将抽象复杂的思想或进程阐释出来，能够促进情感的传递和思想的表达。修辞存在于各种文体之中，尤其在演讲中起着极为重要的作用，是影响英语演讲成败的关键。论文从分析演讲及修辞的定义和功能出发，认真研究了主要修辞手段在英语演讲中的作用，包括明喻、暗喻、排比、头韵、重复、对偶和设问等修辞手段，旨
7、在更好地欣赏演讲，并学习一些演讲中的语言技巧，从而对演讲进一步理解。关键词：英语演讲 ; 修辞 ; 功能北京理工大学珠海学院 2010 届本科生毕业论文IIIContentsABSTRACT.I摘 要 .IIForeword.11Speech.21.1 The Definition of Speech.21.2 The Function of Speech.22Rhetoric.32.1 The Definition of Rhetoric .32.2 The Function of Rhetoric.43. An Analysis of Rhetoric in English Speech.
8、43.1 Simile.43.2 Metaphor .63.3 Parallelism .73.4 Repetition .93.5 Alliteration.113.6 Antithesis.123.7 Rhetorical question.14北京理工大学珠海学院 2010 届本科生毕业论文IV4Conclusion .15Bibliography.16Acknowledgements .17北京理工大学珠海学院 2010 届本科生毕业论文1ForewordA speech is not only a simple formal talk but a kind of encouragin
9、g language with artic charm by using all kinds of lingual skills. Speech is a unique style. It expresses thoughts, feelings, and ideas orally to audience through a series of well-organized, well-prepared words or sentences with the aim of evoking some feelings of the listeners. Therefore, to make a
10、successful speech, one ought to use formal, vivid languages as well as many figures of speech. The success of a speech is often attributed to the skill of the orator, with merit being given to orators who are confident, articulate, knowledgeable and able to deliver a speech with conviction. Persuadi
11、ng an audience to take action involves more than a speaker sharing what he knows about a topic. Speeches are intended to get listeners to accept a particular point of view, and then motivate them into action. The challenge in writing this kind of speech is in delivering a message that will win other
12、s over in sharing the same principles as the speaker. You must use words in such a way as to convince listeners that the speakers opinion is reliable. The art of giving a persuasive speech is as much about using language effectively as it is about communicating a convincing argument.Obviously, one o
13、f the major factors to be a good or a bad speech is whether the use of rhetoric is appropriate or not. It can be found that the use of rhetoric plays a very important role in content. The definition of rhetoric is applying many language materials and various expressive devices to manifest the orator
14、s purpose appropriately. Without the use of rhetoric, absolutely, there is no good content. Therefore, it is necessary to make an analysis and study on this subject.The whole thesis is concerned about the use of rhetoric in English speech, and the thesis is divided into three parts. The first part t
15、alks about the definition and function of speech. The second part illustrates the definition and function of rhetoric. The third part makes a carefully study on the use of main rhetorical devices in English speech, such as, simile, metaphor, parallelism, alliteration and repetition, antithesis , rhe
16、torical question and so on.北京理工大学珠海学院 2010 届本科生毕业论文21Speech1.1 The Definition of Speech One of the definitions of speech which is a formal talk that a person gives to the audiences, to express his/her views or emotions on a specific issue, or to conduct propaganda activities so as to achieve inspiri
17、ng the audience and promote its action as a information-sharing activities.The benefit of a speech is obvious mass communication. Orators want to engage audiences attention, convey their ideas in a logical manner and use reliable evidence to support their point.Speech can be made in a small event as
18、 a marriage or a little party as president of a country make it to be closer his people. The opportunity arises in everybodys life to give a speech. In its simplest form, a speech is a retelling of events. It can be overwhelming to an introverted individual to think about giving a speech, so knowing
19、 the four types of speeches and their purposes can help alleviate some of the pressure. An inspirational speech inspires, an informative speech informs, a persuasive speech persuades and special occasion speeches vary, but only due to the special occasion. 1.2 The Function of Speech “Four score and
20、seven years ago, our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.“ This is part of a two-minute speech given by Abraham Lincoln at Gettysburg. He knew that speeches were more than just a bunch of words.
21、Some believe that the power of life and death are in the tongue. This speech was powerful.The purpose of making a speech can range from simply transmitting information, to motivating people to act, to simply telling a story. Good orators should be able to change the emotions of their listeners, not
22、just inform them. Making a speech can also be considered a discourse community. Interpersonal communication and speeches have several components that embrace such things as motivational speaking, leadership/personal development, business, customer service, large group communication, and mass communi
23、cation. Speeches can be a powerful tool to use for purposes such as motivation, influence, persuasion, informing, or translation.All kinds of speech have one common aim: to convince people to take a form of action. Therefore, they are called speeches of action, and the best way to accomplish that is
24、 through motivation. Another purpose to be accomplished through speech is to reinforce listeners existing attitudes, 北京理工大学珠海学院 2010 届本科生毕业论文3beliefs, behaviors, opinions, or values. You would simply reiterate a few powerful arguments to reassure our listeners and strengthen their position. A third
25、purpose of making a speech is to convince people to change their attitude toward a particular subject. In your speech, try to capture their goodwill immediately. You would follow with some strong arguments for your position and elaborate on them. Then you might introduce statistics and other evidenc
26、e accompanied by visual aids as you discuss your argument.Anyone who goes to church understands the effects that speeches are capable of producing. Sermons are always given to change, or reinforce, personal lifestyle. When a man is ready to propose, he writes and rehearses the words he chooses to wi
27、n the heart of a woman. People of high social status use speeches to influence others. Words are the most powerful medium on this planet and can crush or heal self-esteem. A single phrase can mean different things by adding elements like raised or lowered pitch and volume, or by emphasizing differen
28、t words in the phrase. All of these are important aspects to giving a speech.2Rhetoric 2.1 The Definition of Rhetoric What is rhetoric? There have been many studies from scholars as the human civilization reaches this advanced and highly developed society. Rhetoric originated in speaking. Aristotle,
29、 in the 4th Century BC, first defined rhetoric is rhetoric as the art of persuasion. He said, “Rhetoric is the counterpart of the dialects.” In Athens, the centre of western civilization, great orators, by exercising their rhetoric, gained following and support, and eventually, political power. John
30、 Locke, English philosopher of the late 17th century, described rhetoric as “the science of oratory,” or “the art of speaking with propriety, elegance and force.” This explains why the word “rhetoric” refers to “speaking” in many European languages, such as Greek, Latin, French, etc.In present day,
31、the meaning of rhetoric has been extended. Rhetoric assumes the following characteristics, that is, the elaborated and exaggerated language, the art of using language effectively and persuasively, the skills of using language effectively, the structure of verbal communication.No matter for speaking
32、or writing, rhetoric emphasizes its importance in the effective communication. American linguists Cleanth Brooks and Robert Penn therefore wrote in their Modern Rhetoric, “Rhetoric is the art of using language effectively.” In the dictionary Oxford Advanced learners English-Chinese Dictionary (6th e
33、dition) the definition for rhetoric is “the skill of using language in speech or writing in a special way that influences or entertains people.” 北京理工大学珠海学院 2010 届本科生毕业论文4Rhetoric is an art to use language effectively with special aims.2.2 The Function of Rhetoric Rhetorical devices are variations of
34、 literal or ordinary forms of expressions. Their function is to make the thought more striking and effective. A fresh and suitable rhetorical device appeals to the imagination, creates mental pictures and makes the speech or writing vivid, impressive and interesting. Rhetorical devices can make lang
35、uage more vivid by using the simple words to express complex meanings. By the use of rhetoric, even abstract ideas can become concrete. Rhetoric can make the modified subjects more prominent, distinctive, and specific. By the use of rhetoric, the language can give people more space to imagine. Where
36、as, without the use of rhetoric, the language is boring and there is no vigor in the language.For example:Light as a breeze, soft as a cloud.In the sentence, the writer used a kind of rhetorical devicessimile. Simile is a figure of speech in which two essentially unlike subjects are compared. Simile
37、 often signals itself by “like” or “as”. By using simile, it helps the writer to better communicate with his readers. It is easy for the readers to understand and remember the sentence.3 An Analysis of Rhetoric in English SpeechSpeech can arouse peoples attention and profound feeling to take action.
38、 Languages should be used properly in specific situations and occasions. Figures of speech are ways of making our language figurative. When we use words in other than their ordinary or literal sense to lend force to an idea, to heighten effect, or to create suggestive imagery, we are said to be spea
39、king or writing figuratively. Hence, it is quite necessary for us to learn rhetoric, which serves as a helper to us in writing and speaking different kinds of styles. Through learning rhetoric, we may be in a position to express ourselves more eloquently and properly.Several kinds of rhetorical devi
40、ces are frequently used in speech, and it is necessary to study them one by one by giving definitions and making illustrations. 3.1 SimileA simile is a direct comparison between two objects or attributes that, although essentially different, do have some similarity. These direct comparisons are easy to identify, as they use
