IMPORTANCE OF LANGUAGE:Feature writing, Explanation of the definition

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Feature and Column Writing MCM 514

LESSON 01

IMPORTANCE OF LANGUAGE

Whatsoever the circumstances or where ever a student or a professional is, the importance of language for

him can never be undermined. And when it comes to communication, all those tend to be failures if they

cannot communicate in good language.

Language is one of the most important areas of human development. Our communication skills set us

apart from the rest of the animal kingdom, and they're also what bring us together with each other.

Language is obviously a vital tool. Not only is it a means of communicating thoughts and ideas, but also it

forges friendships, cultural ties, and economic relationships.

That is why emphasis is given to the writing and speaking better language in all spheres of

communication. A journalist must have better communication skills in comparison to other people or

professionals working in other fields.

Throughout history, many have reflected on the importance of language. For instance, the scholar

Benjamin Whorf has noted that language shapes thoughts and emotions, determining one's perception of

reality. John Stuart Mill said, "Language is the light of the mind."

For the linguist Edward Sapir, language is not only a vehicle for the expression of thoughts, perceptions,

sentiments, and values characteristic of a community; it also represents a fundamental expression of

social identity. "The mere fact of a common speech serves as a peculiar potent symbol of the social

solidarity of those who speak the language." In short, language retention helps maintain feelings of

cultural kinship.

Here in Pakistan, we are blessed with virtually two official languages flourishing in a multicultural

society. We all have the opportunity to learn about other cultures.

Since the adoption of official bilingualism though unofficially, we have been better able to provide to the

younger generations the tools and knowledge for them to excel not only here at home, but beyond our

national borders. This has allowed them to reach for the dreams and succeed in areas they may not have

otherwise.

Language, of course, is knowledge, and in our world today knowledge is one of the key factors in

competitiveness. Brains and knowledge are what create the prosperity and growth we tend to take for

granted. In an advanced industrial society in an increasingly interdependent world, the knowledge of other

languages becomes indispensable. Just think of how the advent of the Internet has changed our lives. For

the last few years, millions of people across the world, who share common interests, are able to

communicate with each other and exchange ideas. Not only are they able to do this due to the various

technological advances, but also because they share a common language.

There is, of course, no denying that the knowledge of the English language is one of the most important

tools available. It is one of the international languages, a tool of communication among countries, cultural

groups, various companies and organisations, communities and friends.

English is but one of our de facto official languages; the other being Urdu, which is given the label of

being `Official'.

Although much is said about the importance of the English language, one cannot overlook the important

economic and diplomatic relationships that our country has forged with other countries.

The knowledge of languages is an advantage that many hold. One can argue that it permits them to have a

broader outlook on their surroundings, as they are able to look at issues with a broader perspective.

To achieve this end, a journalist must be working hard towards not only constantly improving it rather

enriching his knowledge.

There are four key areas, which must be strived for all the time, as these help in naturally improving one's

language, as cramming never helps anybody.

Reading devour books and magazines A journalist must be reading newspapers and

magazines on daily basis. Alongside these, he must be reading books of his subject, specialisation

and taste. One of the things is like `chewing' the material whatever you are reading.

Feature and Column Writing MCM 514

Listening keep tuned to good channels A journalist must be a good listener too. As long as,

he is putting his ears into much of a use, he can get much of an information. Secondly, he must be

watching television, and listening to good sources of information, which are luckily now

available round the clock.

Speaking make a try, you will be better It has been observed that quite a large number of

journalists are not good at communicating verbally, and there are those who can speak very well

but when it comes to writing they always leave bad impression. One must try to speak the

language he writing in. `Never be afraid of speaking' is the thumb rule.

Writing most important but no way impossible For every journalist, writing is a must, and

while doing so, he must be doing it to the best of his abilities. There are certain ways of

improving your writing skills, and one must be following those.

Feature writing

Every genre or kind of journalistic writing is a specialised one but it is also done by the novices,

definitely checked by the professionals or specialists.

Introduction

Any piece or writing that falls between the cut-and-dry news story on the one hand, and a fictionalised

story or opinionated essay on the other hand can be a feature. When we say that Cut-and-dry news story,

it means two things first based on facts, and secondly, separated from the original stories, that is cut,

and dry means something already known and discussed.

Simultaneously, it is also a product of factual reporting to which the writer adds story elements of

imaginative writing and various interpretation reaching to extent of one's own point of view, may be

altogether different from others. However, it is also similar to a news story in which it gives the readers

facts in an interesting form and manner.

Facts collaborated with study, research, and interviews of the experts on that particular subject and of

people either benefiting or getting adversely affected.

It aims to instruct, guide and entertain the readers who know about the subject as well as those who do not

know.

Apart from being news stories, both soft and hard, features are investigative primarily based on in-depth

studies.

Its subject can be anything: places, a community, a farm, a business, education, science, economy,

religion, philosophy; events, parades, programmes, concerts; people-well known or unknown animals-

unusual or ordinary; objects of art or product.

Succinctly features can be anything or everything on which one wishes to write.

Definition

A feature is a creative, sometimes subjective article, designed primarily to entertain and inform readers

about an event, a situation or an aspect of society or life.

It is a complete portrayal of the subject being discussed. What does mean by complete portrayal

covering all possible aspects from all possible angles

Explanation of the definition

Creativity

Unlike news story, feature writing allows a reporter to create a story virtually at will. Although still bound

by the ethics of accuracy, fiction is categorically banned. A reporter can conjure a feature story in his

mind and, after researching the idea, writes it.

Feature and Column Writing MCM 514

Subjectivity

Some feature stories are written in the first person using "I" and "we"; thus allowing the reporter to inject

his own emotions and thoughts. The inclusion of writer's emotions and feelings makes the feature story

subjective. The use of first person in feature writing is allowed but only when there is no alternative.

Informative

A feature story lacks hard news values, but must inform public about a situation or an aspect of life,

which has not been reported in hard news stories. It goes beyond bare facts by amplifying them with

study, research and interviews in order to instruct and guide the readers. News story presents bare facts,

while a feature dramatises and supplements them by giving detailed information. It covers causes and

background of the story.

Entertainment

All necessary information in detailed form with relevant photographs is collected, which provide

entertainment to the readers.

Unperishable

While news stories are highly perishable, feature stories may be kept for days, weeks, or months. Many

smaller newspapers try to store feature stories, because the media men know that the value of the feature

story will not diminish with time.

A news story is hurriedly written while a feature story seldom has to meet a steep deadline. Since,

deadline pressure is not there like that of a daily reporter, so a reporter can take sufficient time to write a

feature and rewrite and improve it as much as necessary to get the best quality.

Hence

Features....

· Are factual, and require reporting.

· May or may not be timely. If they are timely and related to a current news event, they are likely to

appeal more to readers.

· May be written in any form and style. The only criterion is that the form and style be appropriate to

the contents and purpose of the story.

· Permit the reporter to use his knowledge and ingenuity to write a story original in ideas and treatment.

· Rarely have news leads. Instead, they more often have novelty leads.

· Usually strike the keynote in the opening sentences sot that the readers come into quick contact with

the subject.

· Usually are not cut in make-up.

Concept and Scope of Feature

Detailed analysis of news

News do exist in the newspapers, but never discussed at length considering and observing divergent kinds

of constraints. Feature is expanded beyond the basic fact rather is fully supplemented with greater

information. A feature usually covers all the underlying causes as well as the background of the news-

story.

A feature employs the basic facts of the news-story in its explication, with special emphasis on further

studies, research and interviews etc.

Feature gives the readers facts in an interesting form, and is framed and adapted to rapid reading. In a

feature, commonly-understood and simple language is used, and all the relevantly useful elements of

dramatic are utilised to the full extent.

Aspects never noticed

A feature usually aims at imparting and delivering the desired effect, instruction, guidance as well as

entertainment to all the readers, including those who are already well-aware of the facts and figures of the

subject and those who happen to examine and peruse the subject for the first time.

Feature and Column Writing MCM 514

Study, research, and interviews of the experts on that particular subject and of people either benefiting

or getting adversely affected.

A feature may include in its study of the subject; all the information, background of the matter, or the

causes ascribed to a particular event.

A news-story usually has to be subjected to the strict demands of the dead line, in other words, a reporter

has limited time to dispose of the news-story, whereas a feature writer has ample time at his disposal and

has not to necessarily meet a dead line. A feature can be disposed of at a great leisure.

A news-story and a feature also differ as towards its contents, structure and form. A news-story is a

somewhat a business-like matter to be disposed of in a business-like manner in a traditional and

conventional form and structure. Whereas, a feature is written off-the-track manner, in unconventional

manner, keeping in view the psychology of the people and in common-understood language and idiom.

It aims to instruct, guide and entertain the readers who know about the subject as well as those who do

not know.

The objectives of a news-story are basically to communicate inform but the basic and bare facts; whereas

a feature aims at instruction, information, knowledge besides missionary objectives for the improvement

of morals and betterment of the lot of the people.

The news-story is written in a cold and logical manner, whereas a feature is designed to appeal to the

emotions and passions of the people.

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