4. Stylistic devices are rather different from expressive means.

Stylistic devices and expressive means are both tools used in language to create vivid, emotional, or imaginative effects. However, they are not the same. As I.R. Galperin explains in Stylistics (1977), expressive means are "the natural capabilities of the language" — such as intonation, word order, or morphological forms — while stylistic devices are "patterns with fixed stylistic value," often used intentionally to create a certain effect (Galperin, 1977, pp. 26–29).

• Expressive means are broader and more basic. They include ordinary language features that gain stylistic value in certain contexts — for example, the use of emphatic word order (“Never have I seen…”) or the use of diminutives (“doggie” instead of “dog”).

• Stylistic devices are more deliberate and structured. These are literary techniques used to enhance meaning and emotion, such as metaphor, irony, alliteration, or hyperbole.

In short, expressive means are language resources that can be used expressively, while stylistic devices are special constructions intentionally used for stylistic effect.

Examples

• Expressive Means:

  • Inversion for emphasis: “Down came the rain.”

  • Repetition of grammatical forms: “He was running, jumping, laughing.”

• Stylistic Devices:

  • Metaphor: “Time is a thief.”

  • Irony: Saying “What a lovely day!” during a storm.

  • Alliteration: “The fair breeze blew, the white foam flew…” (Coleridge)

Though they are related, stylistic devices are more intentional and structured than expressive means. Expressive means are general features of language with potential for stylistic use, while stylistic devices are creative techniques that shape a writer’s or speaker’s style.

5. Stylistics is a branch of linguistics with its peculiar objects of study.

Stylistics focuses on how linguistic choices (such as words, sentence structure, and figurative language) affect the meaning, tone, and emotional impact of a text. It examines how something is said, not just what is said. Unlike general linguistics, which studies language in a broad or neutral way, stylistics pays attention to expressive, artistic, or functional use of language.

Stylistics can be applied to literature, advertising, political speeches, and even everyday conversation. It helps explain why a poem sounds poetic, why an author’s style is unique, or why a speech sounds persuasive.

Examples

• In William Blake’s The Tyger, stylistics analyzes the repetition and symbolism: “Tyger Tyger, burning bright…” — Why “Tyger”? Why repetition? What effect does it have?

• In political speech, stylistics looks at rhetorical devices like metaphor or parallelism. For example, in Barack Obama’s speech: “Yes we can…” — repeated structure creates rhythm and motivation.

6. English headlines can be considered a special ‘genre’ of journalism.

English headlines are considered a special genre because they use unique linguistic features that are not typical of standard English. These include:

• Omission of articles: “President Visits Europe” (instead of “The President visits Europe”)

• Use of present tense to describe past events: “Fire Destroys Museum”

• Shortened structures and compressed syntax to save space and increase impact

• Emotive or sensational language to attract attention: “Shock Win in Election!”

• Puns and wordplay in tabloid headlines: “Plane Crazy” (for aviation-related news)

These features make headlines function both as informative and attention-grabbing tools. They often combine journalistic style with elements of advertising and literary creativity.

Examples

• Informative: “Inflation Hits 10-Year High”

• Sensational: “Storm of the Century Slams Coast”

• Play on Words: “May Day for May” (about former UK Prime Minister Theresa May in political trouble)