Diction

1. Diction Levels of Diction

2. Definition: Diction • Refers to the author’s choice of words

3. Formal Diction • Contains language that creates an elevated tone • It’s free of slang, idioms, colloquialisms, and contractions • It often contains polysyllabic words, sophisticated syntax, and elegant word choice

4. Informal Diction • Language of everyday use • Relaxed and conversational • Includes simple words, idioms, slang, jargon, and contractions

5. Types of Diction • Slang- refers to recently coined words often used in informal situations • Jargon-consists of words and expressions characteristic of a particular trade, profession, or pursuit. • Jargon in swimming: T-30, Jammer, Aquablade • School jargon: DESE, SRI, WI, Benchmark, EOC

6. Types of Diction continued • Dialect: subgroup of language with its own vocabulary and grammatical features • form of language that is specific to particular region or social group • Colloquial expressions- are nonstandard, often regional, ways of using language “y’all” and “crick” for creek

7. Types of Diction • Concrete Diction: words that describe physical/specific qualities or conditions • Examples: magenta, smooth, penny-sized • Abstract Diction: refers to language that denotes (indicates) ideas, emotions, or concepts that are intangible • Examples: truth, fun, beauty, horrible

8. Types of Diction Denotation- means the literal, dictionary definition of the word Example: dress Connotation- means the implied or suggested meaning attached to a word; the emotional label that goes along with the word Example: gown

9. Types of Diction Connotation- what is suggested by a word, other than the explicit (stated clearly) meaning Example: gown Denotation- direct and explicit meaning; referred to as the dictionary meaning of a word Example: dress