Diction Lec

DICTION
WHAT IS DICTION?
According to LiteraryDevices.net: Diction can be defined as style of
speaking or writing, determined by the choice of words by a speaker or
a writer.
Diction, is also called choice of words.
Diction is the general character of the language used by an author.
Words are selected based on their efficiency in appearance, sound, and
meaning.
WORDS HAVE MORE
THAN ONE MEANING
Denotation is the term used to mean the dictionary meaning or meanings of a
word—the direct, specific meaning of a word or phrase: the literal meaning. Thus,
when we read the word “dog,” we mentally picture a four-legged, furry creature that
barks.
Connotation is the term used to capture the fact that words also have implied
meanings—meanings and associations that are suggested indirectly by a word which
greatly affect our understanding of an author’s message. Connotation suggests that
there is a “personal side” to words in that they carry emotional force and shades of
suggestion. The words we use indicate not only what we mean but how we feel, and
we choose words that we hope will engage others emotionally and persuasively, in
conversation and daily usage as well as in essays, novels, and poems.
DICTION DEPENDS OF
DIFFERENT FACTORS
The word has to be right and accurate.
Words should be appropriate to the context in which they are used.
The choice of words should be such that the listener or reader understands easily.
Proper diction, or proper choice of words, is important to get the message across. On the other
hand, the wrong choice of words can easily divert listeners or readers, which results in
misinterpretation of the message intended to be conveyed.
However, deciphering the denotation and connotation in a text isn’t always easy. Many words have
more than one (or even two) meanings listed in the dictionary. And discovering what an author
wants to imply beyond the dictionary definition(s) of a word is much more complex than just trying
to figure out what that word means to us personally.
LEVELS OF FORMALITY
Formal diction – a dignified, impersonal, and elevated use of language.
It is exacting in its adherence to the rules of grammar and complex
vocabulary, such as press conferences and presentations.
 EX: How would you speak at a job interview?
Middle Diction- still follows the rules of correct language usage, but is
less “elevated.” It reflects the way most educated people speak.
 EX: The way that you speak in class to your teacher or to a stranger
Informal diction – the plain language of everyday use. This often

involves contractions and simple or common words, such as writing or
talking to friends.
 EX: How you would speak to your parents or grandparents.
LEVELS OF FORMALITY
CONTINUED..
Colloquial diction – slang or idiomatic expressions, which may be different in different regions or
communities.
 EX: Did “yall” go to the movies?
 EX: There is more than one way to skin a cat.
Slang diction – is the use of words that are newly coined, or even impolite.
 EX. Blake was “cappin” hard during class.
 EX: I have a bad case of “FOMO.”
Poetic diction- Poets sometimes use an elevated diction that is significantly different from the common
speech and writing of the time period. These can be words that are chosen (or sometimes created) by the
poet because they have a special “poetic” quality an ability to communicate a complex thought in a word
or phrase.
**Remember: The level used by an author to communicate his/her message will depend a great deal on the
message to be communicated, the intended audience, and the form of communication (i.e., formal
speech/address, story with characters and dialogue, or poetry).
DICTION IS IMPORTANT
Language helps to create tone, mood, atmosphere
It helps to uncover meaning (theme). Breakdown the syntax (ways in
which sentences are structured).
Author’s manipulate language in order to express their opinions in less
obvious ways

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DICTION

Informal diction – the plain language of everyday use. This often

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