Diction

Diction

• 1.
  Diction Writers employdiction, or word choice, to communicate ideas and impressions, to evoke emotions, and to convey their views of truth to the reader.
• 2.
  Levels of DictionHigh or Formal Diction Free of slang, idioms, colloquialisms, and contractions Contains polysyllabic words, sophisticated syntax, and elegant word choice. Neutral Diction Standard language and vocabulary without elaborate words and may include contractions Informal or Low Diction Language of everyday use Relaxed and conversational Includes simple words, idioms, slang, jargon, and contractions
• 3.
  Types of DictionSlang Refers to a group of recently coined words often used in informal situations Colloquial expressions Nonstandard, often regional, ways of using language appropriate to informal or conversational speech and writing. Jargon Words of expressions characteristic of a particular trade, profession, or pursuit Dialect Nonstandard subgroup of a language with its own vocabulary and grammatical features – often used to reveal a person’s social or economic class.
• 4.
  Types of Dictioncont. Concrete Diction Specific words that describe qualities or conditions Abstract Diction Language that denotes ideas, emotions, conditions, or concepts that are intangible Denotation Exact, literal definition of a word dependent of any emotional association or secondary meaning. Connotation Implicit rather than explicit meaning of a word and consists of the suggestions, associations, and emotional overtones attached to a word. (house v. home)