Creativity In Language Creativity

Works by those in the field of applied linguistics argue that language creativity is not only a property ‘traditionally associated with poetry’ and other forms of literary texts, but are characteristic of everyday conversational practise (Maybin and Swann, 2006, p.1). Rather than defining literary language as being ‘distinct’ from ordinary conversation, recent language studies suggest that textual artistry is an indicative form of creative expression that is widespread amongst all cultures and societies (Maybin and Swann, 2006).
Examples of this position reason that the connection between ‘textual artistry’ and everyday discourse is not simply a matter of language users reproducing literary language for ‘aesthetic effect,’ but serves to communicate

For example, scholarly articles by authors Lakoff and Turner, describe metaphors as ‘poetic mechanisms found in different cultural contexts’ that expand our everyday language and cognitive thought in new and creative ways (Lakoff and Turner, 1989, p.67, cited in Maybin and Swann, 2006, p.18). Carter reasons that everyday figures of speech such as idioms, puns and metaphor are ‘pervasively poetic’ features of language creativity that are not only found in children’s discourse,’ but in adult’s everyday conversational practise (Carter, R, 2006, p.34).
With reference to Cook’s earlier definition of children’s language play, he also examines the function of ‘adult language play in private’ (Cook, G, 2006, p.39). Cook asserts that adults may believe they conduct themselves more maturely than children. However, language play remains prevalent and extends into adulthood. For instance, although adults are less likely to indulge in ‘risqué or infantile language’ in public, they may privately express playful terms of endearment to communicate tenderness and depth of emotion to their lovers (Cook, G, 2006,

Within its contextual form this use of language creativity links largely to Carter’s ‘sociocultural model’ Maybin and Swann, 2006, p.8). However, Cook argues that verbal duelling is not specific to class or race and is widespread across all societies including the ‘major political rhetoric’ within The House of Commons (Cook, G, 2006, p.42).
In conclusion, creativity in everyday language can be identified as an ‘essential human faculty’ that has been shared across generations and communities. Through play and indeed everyday language play, we express emotions, bond relationships, form identities and in an effort to keep up with an ever changing and developing world, create new identities and creative forms of language (Cook, G, 2006,