DICTION
Which of the following
words best describes
the picture?
A. JUVENILE
B. YOUTH
C. ADOLESCEN
T
DICTION
…is the careful selection of words to communicate a
message or establish a voice or writing style. For example,
flowy, figurative language creates colorful prose, while a
more formal vocabulary with concise and direct language
can help drive home a point.
Source: https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-diction-learn-8-different-types-of-diction-in-writing-with-examples#what-is-diction-in-writing
DICTION
… can be defined as style of speaking or writing, determined by the
choice of words by a speaker or a writer. Diction, or choice of words,
often separates good writing from bad writing. It depends on several
factors. Firstly, the word must be right and accurate. Secondly, words
should be appropriate to the context in which they are used. Lastly,
the choice of words should be such that the listener or reader
understands easily.
Source: https://literarydevices.net/diction/
“
WATCH!
”
YouTube file: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZw5EKowE98
POINT TO PONDER
How can situations influence word
choice? Case in point: using LOL (to
mean hilarious) in chat or tweet but not
in theme writing.
POINT TO PONDER
How does culture affect diction as in the case of Tom Robinson
in the novel “To Kill a Mockingbird.”
Tom: "Yes, suh. I felt right sorry for her, she seemed to try
more'n the rest of 'em-“
What does the choice of words of Harper Lee reveal about the
character of Tom Robinson?
PURPOSE OF DICTION
Create a certain tone that supports purpose. The purpose of a piece of
writing determines its diction. In literature and fiction writing, writers
often use informal diction and figures of speech—words used for non-
literal meanings, like similes and metaphors. If a scientist is publishing a
paper on their research, however, the language will be technical, concise,
and formal, written for a specific audience.
PURPOSE OF DICTION
Support the setting. In fiction writing, the language an author
uses supports the basic story elements, like setting. Diction helps
establish when and where a story is set by using language native
to that time and place. This is called colloquial diction. For
example, a story set in New York City will have a different style
of language compared to a story that takes place in London.
PURPOSE OF DICTION
Establish a narrative voice and tone. A writer’s attitude
towards the subject of a story comes through in the words
they use. This helps establish tone and impacts readers’
emotional response. For example, the tone of a horror
novel will be very different to that of a romance novel.
PURPOSE OF DICTION
Bring characters to life. A writer can tell a reader a lot
about characters through their dialogue. The way a
character uses diction reflects personal details like age
and gender, background, social setting, and profession.
For example, a younger character might use slang when
they speak.
TYPES OF DICTION
Informal Diction
…is more conversational and often used in narrative
literature. This casual vernacular is representative of how
people communicate in real life, which gives an author
freedom to depict more realistic characters. Most short
stories and novels use informal diction.
Slang Diction
These are words that originated within a specific culture or
subgroup but gained traction. Slang can be a new word, a
shortened or modified word, or words that take on a new meaning.
Examples of common contemporary slang words are “aggro”
instead of “aggravated”; “hip,” which means trendy; and “throw
shade,” which is to lob an insult at someone.
Colloquial Diction
Here, words or expressions are informal in nature and
generally represent a certain region or time. “Ain’t” and
“y’all” are examples of colloquial expressions, born in
rural areas of the United States. Colloquialisms add color
and realism to writing.
Formal Diction
…is the use of sophisticated language, without slang or
colloquialisms. Formal diction sticks to grammatical rules and
uses complicated syntax—the structure of sentences. This elevated
type of language is often found in professional texts, business
documents, and legal papers.
Pedantic Diction
…is when a writer is highly detailed or academic in their
writing. Words are chosen specifically to convey only one
meaning. It is sometimes used in literature when characters
speak in a highly educated manner, as in F. Scott
Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby.
Abstract Diction
This is when a writer uses words to express
something intangible, like an idea or an emotion.
Abstract phrases often lack physical detail and
specificity because they are things the reader cannot
experience through their five senses.
Concrete Diction
…is the use of words for their literal meanings and often
refer to things that appeal to the senses. The meaning is not
open to interpretation because the writer is specific and
detailed in their phrasing. For example, the sentence: “I ate
an apple.”
Poetic Diction
…is driven by lyrical words that relate to a specific
theme reflected in a poem, and create a euphonious,
or harmonious, sound. Poetic diction usually involves
the use of descriptive language, sometimes set to a
beat or rhyme.
