Enenza (compare & contrast) pt. 1

 

Enenza - 1 inspect, examine. 2 measure, take measurement; compare by measurement.

Kuenenza – to compare or contrast by measurement and examination.

Rhetorical typology are styles, modes, or patterns of communication. One of the generally recognized rhetorical patterns is ‘compare & contrast’. This rhetorical pattern discusses the similarities and differences of two or more things. Comparison discusses elements that are similar, while contrast discusses elements that are different.

The key to a good compare-and-contrast that informs and intrigues people’s minds is to choose two or more subjects that connect in a meaningful way. If one aims at comparison (similarities), they initiate the discussion with obvious differences then build up and finish with striking unexpected similarities. On the other hand, if one aims at contrasting (differences), they initiate the discussion with obvious similarities then build up and finish with subtle differences.

For example, if you wanted to focus on contrasting two subjects you would not pick apples and oranges; rather, you might choose to contrast two types of oranges or two types of apples to highlight subtle differences. The two oranges or two apples will initially appear as obviously similar, but the building up of subtle differences makes it an interesting point of understanding and intrigue for the audience. For example, a description like - tropical oranges are sweet, while temperate oranges are tart and acidic.

Similarly, to focus on comparison, choose two subjects that seem at first to be unrelated. For a comparison, you likely would not choose two apples or two oranges because they share so many of the same properties already. Rather, you might try to compare how apples and oranges are quite similar. The building up of points of convergence will make it an interesting point of understanding and intrigue for the audience as well. For example, tropical oranges and temperate apples both have a ph level of 4.

A useful element of compare and contrast is facts&figures, simply termed ‘data’. To contrast two things, synthesize the data to reveal inconsistencies in what appears to be similar on the surface. To compare two things, synthesize the data to reveal points of convergence in what appears to be different on the surface.

References

TUKI (2001), Kamusi Ya Kiswahili-Kiingereza; Swahili-English Dictionary. Published by Taasisi ya Uchunguzi wa Kiswahili (TUKI), Chuo Kikuu cha Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

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