ENG1515
Assignment 1
Due 17 April 2026
, Question 1
1.1 Intelligibility
Intelligibility refers to how easily a message can be understood by a listener or reader.
In simple terms, it is about whether the language used makes sense to the audience
and allows them to grasp the intended meaning without confusion. If speech or writing is
clear, logically structured, and uses familiar vocabulary, it becomes intelligible. For
example, when a teacher explains a concept using simple sentences and relevant
examples, learners are more likely to understand the lesson, which shows high
intelligibility. In language studies, intelligibility is important because communication only
succeeds when meaning is accessible to others (Halliday, 1978).
1.2 Objective language
Objective language refers to language that presents information in a neutral and factual
manner, without personal opinions or emotional influence. It focuses on observable
facts rather than personal feelings or bias. For instance, saying “The learner scored
75% in the test” is objective because it states a measurable fact. In contrast, saying
“The learner did very well and impressed everyone” introduces personal judgement and
is therefore subjective. Objective language is important in academic contexts because it
promotes clarity, fairness, and credibility in communication (Fairclough, 1995).
1.3 Denotation and connotation
Sentence: I could hardly walk; my shoes were killing me.
1.3.1 Denotative meaning The literal meaning is that the speaker’s shoes were
causing severe physical discomfort, making it difficult to walk.
1.3.2 Connotative meaning The implied meaning is that the shoes were extremely
uncomfortable or painful, even though they were not literally causing death. The phrase
exaggerates the discomfort to emphasise the speaker’s frustration.
1.4 Multilingualism and multimodality
Assignment 1
Due 17 April 2026
, Question 1
1.1 Intelligibility
Intelligibility refers to how easily a message can be understood by a listener or reader.
In simple terms, it is about whether the language used makes sense to the audience
and allows them to grasp the intended meaning without confusion. If speech or writing is
clear, logically structured, and uses familiar vocabulary, it becomes intelligible. For
example, when a teacher explains a concept using simple sentences and relevant
examples, learners are more likely to understand the lesson, which shows high
intelligibility. In language studies, intelligibility is important because communication only
succeeds when meaning is accessible to others (Halliday, 1978).
1.2 Objective language
Objective language refers to language that presents information in a neutral and factual
manner, without personal opinions or emotional influence. It focuses on observable
facts rather than personal feelings or bias. For instance, saying “The learner scored
75% in the test” is objective because it states a measurable fact. In contrast, saying
“The learner did very well and impressed everyone” introduces personal judgement and
is therefore subjective. Objective language is important in academic contexts because it
promotes clarity, fairness, and credibility in communication (Fairclough, 1995).
1.3 Denotation and connotation
Sentence: I could hardly walk; my shoes were killing me.
1.3.1 Denotative meaning The literal meaning is that the speaker’s shoes were
causing severe physical discomfort, making it difficult to walk.
1.3.2 Connotative meaning The implied meaning is that the shoes were extremely
uncomfortable or painful, even though they were not literally causing death. The phrase
exaggerates the discomfort to emphasise the speaker’s frustration.
1.4 Multilingualism and multimodality
