Commentary for Dummies

Well, my friend, let's dive right into the word "commentary" and unravel its mysteries together! So, have you ever watched a sports game on TV or listened to a radio broadcast while a game was going on?

Imagine you're watching your favorite basketball team play, and as the game progresses, there's a person providing insights and analysis about what's happening on the court. They might explain the strategies, point out the players' skills, and talk about the significance of each play. That person is known as a commentator, and what they're doing is providing commentary.

Now, think of "commentary" as a way to describe the thoughts, explanations, and opinions that someone presents while discussing or observing a particular event, topic, or situation. It's like having a companion by your side, sharing their thoughts and insights with you in an engaging and informative way. It helps you understand better what's happening and gives you a different perspective on things.

But hold on a second, my friend! There's another definition of "commentary" that we should explore too.

Have you ever seen a movie or a TV show with optional subtitles? Sometimes, these subtitles not only display the dialogues but also provide some extra information about the scenes or the characters. This extra information, my friend, is called "commentary" as well.

It's like having an invisible narrator guiding you through the story and giving you some behind-the-scenes stories, trivia, or even director's notes. This type of commentary adds depth and enriches your understanding of the movie or show, just like the sport commentator enhances your understanding of the game.

So, my dear student, to sum it all up:

"Commentary" is when someone provides thoughts, explanations, and opinions while discussing or observing an event, topic, or situation. It helps you see things from a different perspective, just like a sport commentator or subtitles in a movie provide additional insights and enrich your experience. It's like having a knowledgeable friend by your side, guiding you through the scene, game, or story.