How "Voice" Functions in Texts
_Now you're a few steps closer to defining "voice" we need to consider how
it can be distinctive. What makes Homer Simpson different from Peter
Griffin? Sure, they're from different worlds, look different and sound
different. But you'll also know that they are similar in many respects
too - they're both overweight, dim-witted characters who fulfil the role
of hapless husband to savvy and headstrong wives and immature father to
three children. And although we know they are in essence similar characters, we also innately know them to have different personalities and "voices".
When initially trying to consider what gives them both different "voices" it can be easy to fall into the trap of catchphrases (for example: Homer's "D,oh!") or accents (for example: Peter's distinct New England twang). What we need to do is understand that what is said is just as important as how it is said in creating voice. |
Before we examine our friends Homer and Peter, let's look at how "voice" functions in texts:
ACTIVITY
Watch the following short clips of both Homer and Peter:
- The creation of voice with texts plays a major role in helping define and develop characters, situations and ideas.
- Voice can be coloured by the context and motivation of the 'persona' involved.
- Language techniques help individualise voices within the text and make them unique. They also determine the level of authenticity or credibility of the characterisation within a text.
- Levels of language as well as the use of slang, irony, idiom or humour can communicate a great deal about the speaker's personality, purpose and intended audience.
- A "voice's" unique and distinctive qualities come from the interplay and manipulation of language elements such as word choice or diction, pace, punctuation, phraseology, imagery and other literal, figurative or persuasive devices.
- Silence and non-verbal communication methods like body language augments spoken language in developing meaning within varied texts.
- Mood or the attitude or atmosphere that can be conveyed in "voice", can be highly influential in shaping an audience's interpretation of character or situation.
ACTIVITY
Watch the following short clips of both Homer and Peter:
Download the worksheet below, complete it and then write a few paragraphs explaining how the composers of each animation have been able to create distinctive voices. Use the following basic structure as a guide:
- PARAGRAPH ONE: Describe what is meant by "distinctive voice", briefly mentioning techniques that can be used.
- PARAGRAPH TWO: Discuss how distinctive voice has been created for Homer in The Simpsons.
- PARAGRAPH THREE: Discuss how distinctive voice has been created for Peter in Family Guy.
Comparison of Distinctive Voice | |
File Size: | 11 kb |
File Type: | docx |