Do not copy this answer for a test put it into your own words please. context plays a role by the figuring out the meaning of the intended message. If you are righting a message to your boss you shouldn't use words like (thx, bty or gtg and others) the context can determine what type of language the writer should use.
Figurative language is just a figure of speech, like saying "I'm all ears" your obviously not all ears, but it means your listening and they have your attention
