Diction In all forms of literature nonfiction poetry

Diction

In all forms of literature, nonfiction, poetry, and drama—authors choose particular words to convey effect and meaning to the reader. Writers employ diction, or word choice to communicate ideas and impressions, to evoke emotions, and to convey their views of truth to the reader.

Levels of Diction High or formal diction Neutral diction Informal or low diction

High or Formal Diction Discerning the impracticable state of the poor culprit’s mind, the elder clergyman, who had carefully prepared himself for the occasion, addressed to the multitude a discourse on sin, in all its branches, but with continual reference to the ignominious letter… Hawthorne, Nathaniel. The Scarlet Letter. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1850.

Usually contains language that creates an elevated tone. It is free of slang, idioms, colloquialisms, and contractions. It often contains polysyllabic words, sophisticated syntax, and elegant word choice.

Neutral Diction The shark swung over and the old man saw his eye was not alive and then he swung over once again, wrapping himself in two loops of the rope. The old man knew that he was dead but the shark would not accept it. Then, on his back, with his tail lashing and his jaws clicking, the shark plowed over the water as a speedboat does. The water was white where his tail beat it and three-quarters of his body was clear above the water when the rope came taut, shivered, and then snapped. . . From Old Man and the Sea, by Hemingway, Ernest, Scribner’s, 1995. Copyright Gale Group.

Uses standard language and vocabulary without elaborate words and may include contractions.

Informal or Low Diction Three quarts of milk. That’s what was in that icebox yesterday. Three whole quarts. Now they ain’t none. Not a drop. I don’t mind folks comin’ in and getting’ what they want, but three quarts of milk! What the devil does anybody need with three quarts of milk? Morrison, Toni. The Bluest Eye. Copyright 1970 by Toni Morrison.

The language of everyday use. It is relaxed and conversational. It often includes common and simple words, idioms, slang, jargon, and contractions.

Types of Diction Slang Colloquial expressions Jargon Dialect Idioms Concrete Diction Abstract Diction Denotation Connotation

Slang Chillaxin Swagg YOLO Totes Adorbs

Effects of slang Lack of education Camaraderie Familiarity between friends Familiarity where there is none disrespect

Group recently coined words often used in informal situations. Slang words often come and go quickly, passing in and out of usage within months or years.

Colloquial expressions Ayah Y’all Fixin’ to Yonder Gonna (Miss Sharp’s favorite)

Nonstandard, often regional, ways of using language appropriate to informal or conversational speech and writing. Maine residents/southern words

Jargon Bird Blue Canoe Charlie Mike

Words and expressions characteristic of a particular trade, profession, or pursuit. Nautical jargon

Jargon Familiarity with the audience, letting them know that you speak their language, that you belong to their group Can create trust if a particular person knows the terminology of a profession Can make the person seem knowledgeable to the audience

Dialect “Sho, there’s ticks a-plenty. I could have a thousand of ‘em if I wanted to. ” “Well, why don’t you? Becuz you know might well you can’t. This is a pretty early tick, I reckon. It’s the first one I’ve seen this year. ” Twain, Mark. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, New York: Grosset and Dunlap, 1946.

Nonstandard subgroup of a language with its own vocabulary and grammatical features. Writers often use regional dialects or dialects that reveal a person’s economic or social class.

Dialect Can create personality in a character Used to personalize the speaker to imply an origin, or to invoke stereotypes associated with the dialect. This is a controversial topic, as there are some people who have an extreme dislike for using dialect-type spelling.

Idioms Tighter than bark on a tree---stingy Big hat, no cattle---lots of talk, no action Throw in the towel---quit Piece of cake--easy

Expressions, usually particular to a group or region of people, that can’t be understood from the meanings of the individual words.

Concrete Diction The tears came fast, and she held her face in her hands. When something soft and furry moved around her ankles, she jumped, and saw it was the cat. He wound himself in and about her legs. Momentarily distracted from her fear, she squatted down to touch him, her hands wet from the tears. The cat rubbed up against her knee. He was black all over, deep silky black, and his eyes, pointing down toward his nose, were bluish green. The light made them shine like blue ice. Pecola rubbed the cat’s head; he whined, his tongue flicking with pleasure. The blue eyes in the black face held her.

Specific words that describe physical qualities or conditions. This passage uses concrete diction to describe an experience Pecola has at Junior’s house

Abstract Diction Impenetrable Incredible Inscrutable Inconceivable unfathomable

Refers to language that denotes ideas, emotions, conditions, or concepts that are intangible.

Denotation House/Home Grass/lawn

Exact, literal definition of a word independent of any emotional association or secondary meaning.

Connotation Home connotes safety, coziness, security House implies the dictionary definition of the physical structure

Implicit rather than explicit meaning of a word. Consists of suggestions, associations, and emotional overtones attached to a word.

Levels of Connotation Childlike Childish Immature Low income Poor destitute Plump Fat obese Filled Packed jammed Fragrance Odor stench Home House shack Plain Homely ugly

Misinterpreting denotation and connotation in a literary work translates into misinterpreting tone and theme.