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STYLISTIC DEVICES IN SPEECH AND THEIR ROLE IN PSYCHOLINGUISTIC PROCESSING

Abstract

The current research investigates the function of stylistic elements in verbal communication and their effect on psycholinguistic processing during the understanding of language. Stylistic elements, including metaphors, repetitions, and idiomatic expressions, are commonly employed in spoken language to augment expressiveness and meaning. Nevertheless, their influence on the cognitive processing of listeners continues to be a significant concern within psycholinguistic studies. This investigation aims to assess how these stylistic devices impact comprehension, focus, and interpretation during speech perception. A pilot experimental study was carried out with university students to analyze the processing differences between stylistically marked and neutral statements. The findings indicate that the use of stylistic elements enhances both attention and emotional involvement, though it may necessitate greater cognitive resources for interpretation. These results advance our comprehension of the interplay between linguistic creativity and cognitive processes in language processing. Furthermore, the research underscores the significance of stylistic proficiency in facilitating effective communication.

Keywords

stylistic devices, psycholinguistics, speech perception, figurative language, cognitive processing

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