Group 1

Assignment; Discuss the following forms of deviation in poetry;

 Phonological deviation
 Lexical deviation
 Syntax and graphology
 Semantic deviation
INTRODUCTION
In the realm of poetry, deviation as a concept adds depth and curiosity to poetic
expression .Cook (1989: 74) perceives deviation as ‘ a case of non-conformity to the norms
and regularities of discourse structure’. On his part, Crystal (2003a: 134) argues that
deviation refers to a sentence, or another unit, which violates the rule and appears
grammatically, phonologically, or even semantically ill-formed. In such a sense linguistic
deviation means a disruption of the normal process of communication that leaves a gap in
ones comprehension of the text. The gap can be filled, and the deviation renders significant,
but only if the reader, through imagination, understands some deeper connections which
compensate for the superficial oddity . Linguistic deviation is the creative use of language
different from the norms of literary convention or everyday speech that creates elements of
interest and surprise(Leech, 1969: 57). Leech (ibid) adds that deviation is of different types
for example: phonological deviation, graphological deviation, lexical deviation, grammatical
deviation, semantic deviation, etc.
Internal Deviation:
It refers to the deliberate departure from typical language patterns within a poem. When a
poet uses unconventional syntax, word order, or grammar, it creates internal deviation. This
deviation captures the reader’s attention and invites reflection on the form of expression.
Internal deviation serves as a stylistic device, emphasizing certain words or phrases, creating
rhythm, or evoking specific emotions.
External Deviation:
This occurs when a poem diverges from established norms or conventions beyond the
linguistic level. For instance the use of rhyme schemes, meter, alliteration, or unique
typography that contributes to the poem’s outstanding feature. External deviation shapes the
poem’s overall structure, rhythm, and visual impact. It amplifies the aesthetic effect and
engages the reader.
Poetic License:
Definition: Poetic license grants poets the right to manipulate language creatively. Deviation
is a concrete manifestation of this license. Poets intentionally distort language using
metaphors, neologisms, or unconventional phrasing to achieve desired aesthetic effects.
Deviation allows poets to transcend ordinary language boundaries, infusing their work with
originality and emotional resonance. Citation: “Deviation in Poetry: Guillaume Apollinaire’s
Poetry Collection.”
In summary, deviation in poetry is both an artful departure from norms and a powerful tool
for evoking originality and aesthetics. Poets wield this creative freedom to craft unique
expressions that resonate with readers.

Phonological deviation
This refers to deliberate deviations from standard pronunciation or sound patterns within
poetic language. It is a type of sound change where a speaker or group of speakers produce
sounds differently from the other people so as to create aesthetic impact, evoke emotions, and
enhance the overall poetic experience.
Internal Deviation in Phonology:
Phonological deviation occurs when a speaker’s pronunciation diverges from the standard or
expected way of producing certain sounds. Examples:
Regional Dialects: Different regions may exhibit variations in pronunciation due to historical,
geographical, or cultural factors. For instance, the way vowels are pronounced can vary
significantly between British English and American English.
Social Groups: Social factors, such as age, education, or social class, can influence
pronunciation. Certain speech patterns may be associated with specific social groups.
Personal Preferences: Some individuals intentionally modify their pronunciation based on
personal preferences or stylistic choices.
Impact: Phonological deviation contributes to the rich tapestry of language diversity and
reflects the dynamic nature of linguistic evolution.
Types of Phonological Deviation:
• Sound Alterations: Poets manipulate sounds, emphasizing certain phonemes or
altering pronunciation for poetic effect.
• Rhyme and Rhythm: Deviations in rhyme schemes, meter, and rhythm contribute to
the musicality of poetry.
• Alliteration and Assonance: Strategic repetition of consonant or vowel sounds creates
pleasing patterns.
• Onomatopoeia: Words imitate natural sounds (e.g., “buzz,” “whisper,” “clang”).
• Phonemic Shifts: Subtle changes in phonemes convey deeper meanings.Example:
Consider Gerard Manley Hopkins’ use of sprung rhythm in his poem “The
Windhover,” where he deviates from regular meter to evoke the bird’s soaring motion.

Foregrounding and Stylistic Analysis:

Foregrounding: It refers to linguistic features that stand out, drawing attention to poetic
expression.
Linguistic Deviation: A key aspect of foregrounding, it disrupts linguistic norms.

Stylistic Impact: Phonological deviation contributes to the unique style of each poet.
Example: E. E. Cummings’ playful manipulation of capitalization and spacing in his poem
“Maggie and Milly and Molly and May” exemplifies phonological deviation.

Phonological Rules:
Phonologists use phonological derivations or rules to represent the systematic relationship
between phonemic (mental representations) and phonetic (actual speech) levels in order to
capture the unconscious knowledge that fluent speakers have about predictable environments
where allophonic variation occurs.
Example: Consider the process of liquid devoicing in English. When the voiced [l] follows a
voiceless [k h], it becomes voiceless itself (e.g., in the word “clean,” the [l] becomes [l̥ ]).
Notation: The derivation notation is read as “A becomes B in the environment between X and
Y.” It represents the phonetic change (A to B) conditioned by specific contexts (X and Y).
Illustration:
Rule: /l/ → [l̥ ] / ___ [k h] : Voiced [l] becomes voiceless [l̥ ] after voiceless [k h].
Significance: These rules are part of every fluent speaker’s mental grammar. In summary,
phonological deviation enriches language by showcasing its dynamic variations, whether
influenced by geography, social factors, or individual choices by going beyond ordinary
language, inviting readers into a realm of sound, rhythm, and emotion.

Lexical deviation
Lexical deviation refers to the intentional or unintentional departure from standard language
usage or vocabulary that involves using words or expression in a way that diverge from
conventional norms potentially for stylistics or creative purposes, to evoke specific emotions,
create vivid imagery or establish a unique rhythm within the poem.
Example;
a)“The moon,a luminous pearl,danced across the midnight canvas”.
In the above example ,the deviation occurs through the use of “luminous pearl “and “danced
across the midnight canvas “, instead of the more straightforward.“Shone brightly in the night
sky “the poet employs vivid and metaphorical language, deviating from common phrasing to
evoke a more imaginative and emotive response from the readers.
b)”The sun, a golden charioteer, descended behind the majestic peak, painting the valley in
hues of amber and lavender.
In this lexically deviated expression the poet uses metaphorical language like, “golden
charioteer”,”hues of amber”and “lavender”to describe the sunset. This illustration have the
lexical deviation in poetry which contribute in heighting aesthetic and expressive impact to
the readers.

Conventional expression in lexical i.e, the sun set behind the mountains casting a warm glow
on the valley “.
:In this straightforward and conventional expression,the language is clear and directly
conveys the image of the sun setting behind the mountains.it follows standard language
norms which employing elaborated metaphor or unconventional phrasing.

The most obvious example of lexical deviation is neologism. Neologism is a new word or
example which is introduced into language, e.g. nonce-formation; the invention of new
words, if it is made up for the nonce, i.e. for a single occasion
(Leech, 1969: 42). Crystal (2003a: 315) defines a nonce-formation as a linguistic form which
a speaker consciously invents or accidentally uses on a single occasion. Many factors
Phonological Deviations in Dickens’ “Hard Times” …………. (121) Account for its uses, e.g.
a speaker can not remember a particular word, so it is coined as an alternative approximation
(as in linguistified, heard recently from a student who felt he was getting with linguistics), or
is constrained by circumstances to produce a new form (as in newspaper headlines). Nonce-
formations have come to be adopted by the community in which case they cease by definition
to be nonce and become neologisms.
Another example of lexical deviation is functional conversion. It is the process of converting
a word from one grammatical class to another. This process is common in literary language
(Short, 1969: 46). Sometimes “slip of the tongue” or “speech error” in which one deviates in
some way from the intended utterance to form a new word, can be considered another
example of lexical deviation. Some of tongue slips are called malapropism. It refers to the
misuse of words , for example when one says “reprehend” for “apprehend”, “derangement”
for “arrangement” and so on (Clark, 1977: 287).
Example
My friends, Stephen began in the midst of a dead
“Calm, I ha’ hed what’s been spoken o’ me, and ‘tis lickly that I shan’t mend it. But I’d liefer
you’d hearn the truth “
Moydert and muddled (Book(2), V: 131).
The Analysis:
“ha” (=have) “hed” (=heard) “spok’n” (spoken) “o” (=of) “tis” (=this) “lickly” (=likely)
“shan’t” (=shouldn’t).

Lexical deviation effect on poetry

It plays a pivotal role in shaping the impact of poetry. By introducing unconventional words
or phrases, poet can evoke weighted emotions emphasize specific themes and create a
distinctive atmosphere.
This departure from ordinary language norms adds an element of surprise inviting the readers
to engage more deeply with the text.
Also lexical deviation contributes to the overall aesthetic and rhythm of a poem,it can
establish a unique cadence, enhancing the poetic flow and making it memorable.
Poets often use inventive language choice to amplify the sensory experience for the reader,
encouraging a more profound connection with the imagery and themes presented.

Lexical deviation importance;

 Express creativity; It allows poet to break away from standard language pattern,
fostering creativity and enabling them to convey complex emotions,image and ideas
in a more imaginative manner.
 Vivid imagery; The use of unique and unconventional words or expressions enhance
the vividness of imagery within a poem which helps to paint a more detailed and
evocative picture.
 Aesthetic appeal ;Lexical contribute to the aesthetic quality of poetry by introducing
linguistics diversity and originality.
 Create emotional impact; By deviating from standard language, poets can evoke
specific emotions or create a particular atmosphere within the poem.

Graphological Deviation
The graphological deviation is a language deviation form found in elements of spelling and
punctuation. The appearance of graphological deviation is marked by several characteristics,
i.e., spelling and incorrect punctuation or inappropriate punctuation. Writing is seen as a
graphological deviation if the writing has deviations from
A graphological deviation is a relatively minor and superficial part of style, concerning such
matters as spelling, capitalization, hyphenation, italicization, and paragraphing. Such matters
are to a great extent determined conventionally by syntax and become noticeable only when a
writer makes a graphological choice that is to some degree marked or unconventional, such
as a deliberate misspelling
Graphological convention is still evolving as can be seen in the various ways that people
currently express: emphasis, spacing, and special symbols.
Sometimes, capitalization of varying sizes is used for emphasis, irony, satire, and other
literary purposes. Hyphen marks two kinds of word division: a break at the end of a line, and
the parts of a compound word (green-eyed). It is sometimes used to give a contrast in the
meaning which is conveyed.
Dash is used singly to show a comment or afterthought at the end of a sentence, or simply an
incomplete utterance. Sometimes it is used to signal a missing word or letter (ibid)
To the extent that spelling represents pronunciation, any strangeness of pronunciation will be
reflected by a strangeness of written form (lineation).
Two American poets who explore the possibilities of purely visual patterning in poetry are
William Carlos Williams and E.E. Cummings. Cummings is well-known for his use of other
types of orthographic deviation: discarding capital letters and punctuation where convention
calls for them, jumbling of words, eccentric use of parentheses, etc.
Examples:
Ariel to Miranda: - Take
This slave of Music, for the sake
Of him who is the slave of thee… (Shelley)

Pity this busy monster, manunkind

not. Progress is a comfortable disease;
your victim(death and life safely beyond)
plays with the bigness of his littleness
- electrons deify one razorblade
into a mountainrange; lenses extend (A complete poem by E.E. Cummings) e.e. cumming

Syntax deviation
Syntax deviation is related to syntactic structure, and sentence formation structure in a
language. Syntax deviation is a deviation from the rules of the standard syntactic structure of
the language. From the language unit involved, the syntactic structure is larger and more
complex. Syntax deviation can be in the form of permutations (reversal of arrangement) of
sentence elements, enjambments, incomplete sentence elements, ungrammatical structures,
non-cohesive,
In syntax, deviations might be bad or incorrect grammar and syntactic rearrangement/
hyperbaton. The examples are:
I doesn’t like him.
I know not
Saw you anything?
He me saw.
She walks in beauty, like the night (Byron)
Beauty is truth, truth beauty (Keats)
The just man justices (in As Kingfishers Catch Fire)
Some ‘syntactic’ styles which have made their appearance in modern literature:

The Wanderer
There head falls forward, fatigued at evening,
And dreams of home,
Waving from window, spread of welcome,
Kissing of wife under single sheet,
But waking sees
Bird-flocks nameless to him, through doorway voices
Of new men making another love.
These seem to have the function of impressionistically evoking psychological state. In “The
Wanderer” Auden evolves a subject less, article less style which apparently suggests the
exile’s loss of a sense of identity and of a coordinated view of life.

Syntactic deviations in poetic language creates a unique, non-conventional use of language

that enhances the artistic effect of the poem. Here are a few functions of syntactic deviations
in poetry
: 1. Emphasis: By deviating from the usual word order and syntax, the poet can draw
attention to specific words or phrases, emphasizing their importance or creating a stronger
impact on the reader.
2. Ambiguity: Syntactic deviations can introduce ambiguity and multiple interpretations,
allowing for a deeper engagement with the poem and encouraging readers to think critically
and analytically.
3. Disruption: Poets often use syntactic deviations to disrupt the natural flow of language,
creating surprise and unpredictability. This disruption can evoke strong emotions or challenge
traditional linguistic structures.
4. Sound and Rhythm: Syntactic deviations can be used to create musicality, rhythm, and
sound patterns in poetry. By rearranging syntax, poets can achieve a desired rhythm or meter,
enhancing the auditory experience of the poem.
5. Symbolism and Imagery: By altering syntax, poets can create unique imagery and
symbolic representations. Syntactic deviations can lend themselves to creating vivid and
memorable descriptions, enhancing the overall meaning and impact of the poem.
Overall, the function of syntactic deviations in poetic language is to enhance the artistic and
aesthetic qualities of the poem, creating a unique and engaging experience for the reader.

Semantic Deviation
Semantic deviation in poetry is a fascinating interplay between language and meaning. It
refers to unconventional combinations of words or phrases that deviate from standard usage;
involves playing with language, bending its rules, and creating unexpected associations. In
poetry semantic deviation adds layers of depth, evokes emotions, and challenges
conventional understanding.
Types of Semantic Deviation in Poetry:
Semantic Oddity: Occurs when expressions seem unreasonable or inappropriate. Poets
intentionally use unusual word choices to provoke thought or evoke feelings.
Transference of Meaning: Here, literal meanings shift to figurative ones. Metaphors, similes,
and symbols fall into this category.
Honest Deception: Poets sometimes misrepresent the truth to convey deeper truths. These
deceptions enhance poetic impact.
Effects of Semantic Deviation on a poem:
Aesthetic Value: Deviations make poems more interesting, engaging, and memorable.
Expressive Power: They allow poets to convey complex emotions, social commentary, and
personal experiences.
Dense Meaning: By bending language, poets pack layers of significance into concise lines.
Examples ;
In William Blake’s poems, semantic deviations abound, for instance:
“Tyger Tyger, burning bright”: The repetition of “Tyger” and the unconventional spelling
create an intense, mysterious image.
“The road of excess leads to the palace of wisdom”: The transference of meaning from “road”
to life choices adds depth.
Example;
I am not yet born; O hear me. (Louis MacNeice’s Prayer before Birth)
The child is father of the man. (Wordsworth’s My Heart Leaps Up)
She was a phantom of delight (Shakespeare)
Beauty is truth, truth beauty (Keats)
Overall Impact:
Semantic deviation enriches poetry by challenging norms, inviting interpretation, and leaving
lasting impressions.
It’s the poetic equivalent of a painter’s bold brushstroke or a musician’s unexpected chord
progression.
In summary, semantic deviation in poetry is like a secret language—a dance between words
and their hidden meanings, inviting readers to explore, question, and feel.
Semantic deviation can also be meant as ‘non-sense’ or ‘absurdity’ so long as we realize that
sense is used, in this context, in a strictly literal minded way.

Conclusion
To sum up deviation in poetry is used by poets not only for communication to address readers
but also make them search beyond the linguistic literal meaning of poem. The necessity of
deviation is to produce an artistic work that investigates and convey new experiences and
effects through the choice of words technique to impress readers.

References
• Leech, G (1969). A Linguistic Guide to English Poetry. London: Longman.
• Leech, G. And Short, M. (1981) Style in Fiction. Harlow:Longman.
 Levin, S. R. (1965). “Internal and External Deviation in Poetry.” Word, 21(2), 2251.
• Missikova, G, (2003). ‘Linguistic Stylistics’. Filozoficka Fakulta Online,8-27.
(www)http://www.dibilim.info/yukseklisans/stylistic/linguistic /..pdf
• Ochs, E. And Schieffelin, B. (1983). Acquiring Conversational Competence. London:
Routledge and Kegan Paul.
• Oxford Advance Learners’ Dictionary (2007), Oxford: Oxford University Press.
• Short, M. (1969). Exploring the Language of Poems, plays and Prose . Edinburgh:
Pearson Education Ltd .
• Turner, G. (1973). Stylistics. England: Penguin Books Ltd.
• Jones, D. (1918). An Outline of English Phonetics. Cambridge: Heffner and Sons Ltd.