What are Generic Conventions ? Explain different types with examples

Definition of generic conventions

You must have heard of people saying that they love reading fictional stories, or some might like reading non-fictional or romantic stories. These different fields are known as genres. A writer will also follow a certain genre for his writings. A few people or readers also prefer to read books of a genre that excites them. 

Therefore, generic conventions are the factors that make the reader of a text understand or identify the genre of the writing. These factors are also essential for movies, plays, or stories, to make the audience interpret the theme.

What are genres?

Genre is the style of writing in which a text has been created. Genre helps the readers to know the basic theme of writing. Broadly, there are 5 types of genres, namely, fiction, non-fiction, poetry, folklore, and, drama. Each genre has its features and functions.

Types of genres:-

Let us read and understand the 5 broad genres 

1. Fiction- In fiction, the theme of the text revolves around imagination and the made-up ideas of the writer. A fictional text needs to have the proper use of grammar, mechanics, and structure. There are sub-genres of fiction as well, which are as follows-

·       Fantasy- Something that people fantasize about, such as aliens or hi-tech robots.

·       Historical fiction- It is not something based on imagination but the truth.

·       Science fiction- It is based on real events that have happened in past.

·       Realistic fiction- It includes characters that have supernatural powers, such as monsters.

2.   Non-fiction- Real-life incidents that have happened in the past come under this category. It has nothing to do with the imagination but reality. The sub-genres of non-fiction are as follows-

·       Biography- A piece of text related to someone else's life.

·       Autobiography- Description of one's own life oneself.

·       Persuasive writing- These types of texts are written to influence the readers for a thought or a cause.

·       Informational writing- It provides thorough information about everything.

3.    Drama- This genre deals with a live audience as it is performed in front of them only. It can also be called play. The sub-genre of drama are as follows-

·       Comedy- A play that is full of humor, jokes, or funny moments.

·       Tragedy- A story that has a sad ending.

 4.    Folklore- It deals with something that has significance related to a particular place. It is in the form of a play or script. The sub-genre of folklore are as follows-

·       Fable- It is a short story that includes personified animals and morals.

·       Myths- Something that is related to Gods/Goddesses.

·       Legend- Stories that are based on a real person or place.

·       Fairy tales- These include magical stories related to talking animals or things.

·       Tall tale-   It includes stories that are related to truths or factual writings.

5.    Poetry- In this genre, the text is used so beautifully that a reader gets lost in it. Sub-genres of poetry are as follows-

·       Lyric- The short versions of poetry are known as lyrics.

·       Epic- The long poems that deal with superhuman forces or extraordinary humans come under epic.

·       Dramatic- It comprises comedy, tragedy, or melodrama.

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