Levels of Diction Pre-AP English 2

High or Formal Diction Creates an elevated tone Free of slang, idioms, colloquialisms and contractions Contains polysyllabic words, sophisticated syntax and elegant word choice

From The Scarlet Letter 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.

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

From The Old Man and the Sea 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.

Informal or low diction Language of everyday use Relaxed and conversational Includes common and simple words, idioms, slang, jargon, and contractions.

From The Bluest Eye 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 coming in and getting what they want, but three quarts of milk! What the devil does anybody need with three quarts of milk?

Types of Diction

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

Colloquial Expressions Nonstandard, often regional, ways of using language appropriate to informal or conversational speech and writing. Ex: “y’all”

Jargon Characteristic of a particular trade, profession or pursuit Ex: Skateboarding Jargon- “ollie” “carve” “catch” “drop in”

Dialect Nonstandard subgroup of a language with its own vocabulary and grammatical features. Ex: “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 mighty well you can’t.” (From The Adventures of Tom Sawyer)

Concrete Diction Specific words that describe physical qualities or conditions.

Ex: “The tears came fast, and she held her face in her hands Ex: “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.” (From The Bluest Eye)

Abstract Diction Denotes ideas, emotions, conditions or concepts that are intangible Ex: From Heart of Darkness impenetrable, incredible, inscrutable, inconceivable, unfathomable

Denotation Exact literal definition of a word Ex: Definition from a dictionary

Connotation Implicit rather than explicit meaning of a word Consists of the suggestions, associations, and emotional overtones attached to a word. Ex: “house” vs. “home” -- home suggests safety, security