signifyin(g) • definition: “the rhetorical principle in Afro-American vernacular discourse,” a rhetorical practice that involves• elements: repetition and difference, besting, boasting, outlaw heroics• interest: competition, drive to eloquence, humor, wit, self-affirmation, self-definition• examples: the dozens, the toasts, battle rapo related words and terms: signifyin(g), signification, persona, alternative self, contestation, competition, provocation, boastfulness, outdoing, drive towards… Read more

discursive • definition: arguing and reasoning to conclusions• elements: assertions, points, evidence, comparisons, conclusions• interest: persuasion, possibility of truth• examples: essays, speeches, proverbso related words and terms: contention, claim, assertion, explanation, analogical reasoning, counterargument, fallacy, rhetorical question, allegation, rebuttal, dispute, reduction ad absurdum, persuasion, support, warrant, appeal to reason, appeal to passion, appeal to trust,… Read more