Spoken Language Differences Between Nigella Lawson And Jamie Oliver

Both Nigella Lawson and Jamie Oliver are well recognized TV chefs, however they both use spoken language in very different ways, whilst interacting with their audience. For example Nigella’s language is more sophisticated and formal whereas Jamie’s language is more casual and informal. Whilst there are many clear and visual differences between each of these chefs, there are also many similarities. They both share a lifestyle of being a chef and enjoying a higher-class lifestyle. We readers can observe their different and similar ways of spoken word by linking it with the chef’s personal life and this therefore help us understand their persona more vividly.

Nigella Lawson is the daughter of Nigel Lawson, the former Chancellor of the Exchequer,

As well as this, they may not be able to understand the large words she uses, and end up getting confused. The way Nigella pronounces the words is also key to the impact they give on the audience. From watching "Nigella Lawson's Hokey Pokey" I noticed that Nigella emphasises the unusual adjectives she uses, extending each syllable to make the word more prominent compared to the other words used. As well as this, she pauses before and after each word to draw more attention to the word as shown by several pauses (.) in the transcript. I think she does this because it's what she's renowned for, and is easily recognisable, as no other chefs use this feature in their language. It may however be used to seduce the audience, although Nigella insists her behaviour is not flirtatious, and is rather

Jamie pushing the bottom of the cheesecake mould up in the pause after “click it out”). Also, Jamie uses many violent verbs such as “chuck, whiz, and plonk” which seem careless and add to his “proper rustic” and “messy” style, whereas Nigella’s reviewer says “Do not stick, throw, bung, or bosh ingredients into a dish, leave that to Jamie”. This shows that Nigella is a higher class, and appeals to people of a social higher class than Jamie Oliver.

Jamie also uses a “mockney” accent, which is an affected accent and form of speech in imitation of Cockney or working class London speech. A stereotypical “mockney” speaker comes from an upper-middle class background- Like Jamie. He may be doing this to appeal to a lower class, or to engage his viewers even more, as if he was their “mate” and creating a casual atmosphere.

Nigella uses plosives and hyperbole to engage us through her language techniques. We understand that the honeycomb pieces are not literally ‘golden nuggets’ but we appreciate how she is trying to convey their luxury. Similarly, with the plosives she is using them to accentuate her lips in a pout. As the ‘Queen of food porn’ Nigella tries to make the food sound seductive, but also attracts an interested following who are attracted to