Diction

Levels of Diction

Definition: Diction

 Refers to the author’s choice of words

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

Informal Diction

 Language of everyday use  Relaxed and conversational  Includes simple words, idioms, slang, jargon, and contractions

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

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

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

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

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