Understanding Alliteration, Assonance, and Onomatopoeia

Khan Academy

This educational video from Khan Academy explores three fundamental literary devices related to sound: alliteration, assonance, and onomatopoeia. Through a casual, conversational dialogue between narrators David and Rosie, the video defines each term, provides clear examples, and visually diagrams the concepts on a digital whiteboard. The lesson moves from identifying consonant repetition in alliteration to vowel repetition in assonance, and finally to the sound-mimicking nature of onomatopoeia. Key themes include the musicality of language, the mechanics of poetic devices, and the writer's craft. The video specifically focuses on how language is not just about meaning but also about the auditory experience of reading and speaking. It breaks down complex Greek roots for "onomatopoeia" into understandable parts and categorizes these devices under the umbrella of "words that relate to how language sounds." For educators, this video serves as an excellent introduction or review of figurative language and sound devices. It simplifies intimidating terminology (especially the spelling of onomatopoeia) and provides concrete rationale for why authors use these techniques—specifically to build momentum, grab attention, and immerse readers in the sensory experience of a story. It is highly applicable for poetry units, creative writing workshops, and rhetorical analysis lessons.