Which term refers to writing or speech not meant to be interpreted literally?

The correct term that refers to writing or speech not meant to be interpreted literally is figurative language. This type of language includes various figures of speech such as metaphors, similes, and personification, which are used to convey meanings in a more imaginative or creative way. For instance, when someone says, "It's raining cats and dogs," they are using figurative language to express that it is raining heavily, rather than indicating that actual animals are falling from the sky. This enhances the expressiveness of the language and allows for deeper emotional or descriptive nuance.

Other options involve different aspects of language. Literal language refers to direct and straightforward expressions, while symbolism uses symbols to represent ideas or qualities, and dialogue refers to the spoken exchanges between characters in a narrative. None of these capture the essence of language that is meant to convey meaning beyond the literal definition.