What is Poetic Language?
- print Print
- list Cite
Expert Answers

calendarEducator since 2011
write6,817 answers
starTop subjects are Literature, History, and Business
The term "poetic language" is used to highlight the differences between poetry and other forms of speech. The specific nature of what is considered poetic varies over period and culture. In those cultures that do make such distinctions, however, the term "poetic language" is one which distinguishes elements more common in poetry than in non-poetic written genres or ordinary speech.
In many languages, poetry is distinguished by its use of regular patterns of sound, such as alternation of long and short or stressed and unstressed syllables or repetition of similar sounds at regular intervals or in close proximity. Poetry also often uses unusual patterns of word order, often for the sake of metrical regularity.
In traditional cultures, poetry may use archaic words and grammatical structures which are no longer in ordinary use. Heightened or unusual language and figures of speech are also often characteristic of poetry.

calendarEducator since 2009
write73 answers
starTop subjects are Literature, History, and Law and Politics
Poetic language is the language most often (but not exclusively) used in...
(The entire section contains 3 answers and 588 words.)
Unlock This Answer Now
Start your 48-hour free trial to unlock this answer and thousands more. Enjoy eNotes ad-free and cancel anytime.