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common language

Device
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

The incorporation of everyday, non-elevated speech into poetry to enhance realism, accessibility, or social commentary.

Detailed Definition
Common language refers to the shared, everyday vocabulary and syntax used by a speech community, as opposed to technical, archaic, or highly stylized diction; in poetry, its use fosters accessibility, democratic inclusivity, and a sense of grounded, unpretentious expression.
Example
Example in poetry:
William Carlos Williams’ “The Red Wheelbarrow” uses common language to elevate ordinary objects; Gary Snyder’s “Pine Tree Tops” employs common language to describe natural observation without poetic flourish; Mary Oliver’s “Wild Geese” uses common language to offer accessible spiritual insight; Raymond Carver’s minimalist poems rely on common language to convey emotional depth through understatement
Additional Notes
Common language refers to accessible, non-technical vocabulary that resonates with general readers; it’s a hallmark of democratic poetics (e.g., Wordsworth’s preface to Lyrical Ballads) and contrasts with elevated or archaic diction.
Also Known As
Vernacular tongue Everyday speech Plain idiom base language variety
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