Transcript Diction

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