Playing with words: investigating the use of language play in the persuasive writing of 9–11-year-olds. Issue 2 (23rd February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Burrell, Andrew; Beard, Roger
• Is Part Of: Education 3-13. Volume 46:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 202
• Page End: 217
• Publication Date: 2018-02-23
• Subjects: Wordplay -- humour -- language -- play -- advertisements -- writing; Education -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Education, Primary -- Periodicals; Education, Elementary -- Periodicals; 372.942
• DOI: 10.1080/03004279.2016.1217250
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0300-4279

Abstract

ABSTRACT: There has been little research into how children use language play in writing. The unprompted language play of 36 children was investigated through their writing of a short advertisement. The sample comprised three attainment sub-groups from a larger repeat-design study of persuasive writing in the 9–11 age-range. The writing was analysed using qualitative methods derived from relevant linguistic literature. Extensive use of language play was evident, as well as stylistic differences between the sub-groups. The findings indicate how teaching and learning might be enhanced from more conscious use of children's propensity for manipulating the forms, meanings and uses of language.