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This might seem like an obvious question, but I'm curious if there's been any research into whether popularity correlates with linguistic simplicity. Furthermore, do popular novels use linguisti...
#3: Attribution notice added
by
System
·
2019-12-08T06:52:05Z (almost 5 years ago)
Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/q/29639 License name: CC BY-SA 3.0 License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
#2: Initial revision
by
inappropriateCode
·
2019-12-08T06:52:05Z (almost 5 years ago)
This might seem like an obvious question, but I'm curious if there's been any research into whether popularity correlates with linguistic simplicity. Furthermore, do popular novels use linguistic complexity below that of the average reader; instead of matching or exceeding what the average reader is capable of? George Orwell's advice on writing emphasised the need for plain English. He argued complexity of language, especially with mixed metaphors, was needless and confusing. I assume the use of simpler and conventional written English helps to make books popular by making them more accessible. For example: I don't think it's a coincidence that Harry Potter and the Hobbit are both so wildly successful; when they were both written for children.
#1: Imported from external source
by
System
·
2017-08-09T11:56:46Z (over 7 years ago)
Original score: 6