Language

Overall, the language of the short story “Another Language” by Craig Cliff is quite simple. Except for several instances when other languages are involved, the story seems to be rendered through the eyes of a child. Consequently, the language is simple and childish. An often used language device is that of multiple questions, a characteristic of curious children:

“Did you learn English in school?” I asked.
“Yes.”
“And you found out you didn’t stutter in English?”
“Yes.”
“And you moved to New Zealand because we speak English here?”
He nodded.” (ll. 65-70)

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In what follows, we will focus on:

• Imagery
• Similes and comparisons
• Repetition
• Synecdoche
• Symbols

Similes and comparisons

In James’ point of view, Marcus “sounded like the word weighed a hundred kgs” (l. 31). Marcus is also “surprised like no one had ever spoken to him” (ll. 28-29).

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Symbols

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