What is Metalanguage

Metalanguage is language that describes language.

So, instead of maybe using the word, "He was sad," we might say something like, "He felt
sorrowful." The choices in words changes the meaning that is interpreted by the reader, just
slightly, but there is still a difference. So, when it comes to studying texts or reading articles and
trying to analyze what the author is trying to do, we look at metalanguage as a way to help
give us insight into the ideas that they're trying to portray.

The simplest way to explain this is to focus on part 3 of the English exam – Language Analysis.
In Language Analysis, we look at the author’s writing and label particular phrases with
persuasive techniques such as: symbolism, imagery or personification. Through our
description of the way an author writes (via the words ‘symbolism’, ‘imagery’ or
‘personification’), we have effectively used language that describes language.

Now, if we look at the bigger picture, our analysis of an author’s language can be applied to Text
Response, and even Reading and Comparing. To learn more about why metalanguage is
important in Text Response, check out our Ultimate Guide to VCE Text Response. Otherwise,
for those interested in Comparative, head over to our Ultimate Guide to VCE Comparative.

Examples of Metalanguage in VCE English

Novel

 Tone
 Narrator
 Grammar and punctuation
 Characterisation
 Foreshadowing

For example

 Achilles is characterised as a foetus, for his position is ‘chin down, shoulders hunched’
as though he is inside a womb. (Ransom, David Malouf)
 In the first scene of All About Eve, Mankiewicz foreshadows Eve's sinful and regretful
actions as a sorrowful expression is emphasized, as she accepts her award.

As you can see, the word 'foreshadows' pushes us in a new direction. Rather than just saying
what has already happened or telling your teacher or examiner something that they already
know, it forces you to actually analyze what's in front of you and to offer your own unique
interpretation of why this metalanguage or why this technique has been used.

Film
  Mise-en-scene
 Camera angles
 Music
 Lighting

For example

When Terry leaves Friendly’s bar, the thick fog symbolises his clouded moral judgement as he
decides whether he should remain ‘D and D’, or become a ‘rat’. (On The Waterfront, Elia Kazan)

Play

 Stage direction
 Soliloquy
 Monologue
 Prop
 Motifs

For example

 The miniature set Zac creates is designed with a white backdrop, symbolising his desire
to wipe away reality since he ‘can’t stand real things.’ (Cosi, Louis Nowra)
 In Medea, Euripides commonly refers to animals when describing the day's actions and
temperament versus in Medea, the motif of animals emphasizes the inhuman and bestial
nature of Medea, highlighting how she defies natural norms.

This student has actually given us an analysis of why animal motifs are used. And that is to
highlight how Medea defies natural norms, because of her inhuman and bestial nature.

Will it help my English

‘Metalanguage’ is probably the most unusual word you will see today. It’s very useful for
learning a language, but first, what does it mean? Although it looks like a complicated word, the
meaning is quite simple: Metalanguage is words or symbols for talking about language itself.

You probably already know some metalanguage. The words ‘verb’, ‘noun’ and ‘adjective’ are all
examples of metalanguage – they are all words that we use to describe other words. So, why is
metalanguage an important part of learning a language?

Firstly, metalanguage useful to help you understand language-learning resources. When you look
at a new sentence structure, word, or even pronunciation point in a textbook, you need to
understand metalanguage in order to understand what you are learning. When you understand
metalanguage, you can understand English-only learning resources and that means there will be a
much wider range of learning resources available to you.
Knowing metalanguage help you understand your teacher better. If your teacher introduces two
forms of a word, one noun and one adjective, you need to know what ‘noun’ and ‘adjective’
mean in order to understand where the words will be used.

Being able to explain how English works without using your native language helps you think in
English and avoid translation. Teachers often ask English students to try and think in English.
This is only possible if you have enough English vocabulary to talk about and understand how a
language works in English.

Learning metalanguage is easy, too. There are hundreds of English-only grammar books
available online and you can use our private to learn about how to talk about how a language
works in English. When it’s that easy, what’s stopping you from getting started learning some
metalanguage today!

Conclusion
As indicated earlier, you should be familiar with many, if not all the terms mentioned above.
Take note that some metalanguage terms are specific to a writing form, such as camera angle
for films. As you discuss themes or characters, you should try and weave metalanguage
throughout your body paragraphs. The purpose of this criteria is to demonstrate your ability to
understand how the author uses language to communicate his or her meaning. The key is to
remember that the author’s words or phrases are always chosen with a particular intention – it is
your job to investigate why the author has written a text in a particular way.