Diction 1

Diction: is word choice All authors must choose particular words to convey effect and meaning to their readers. 2 2

3 Levels of Diction *High or formal *Neutral *Low or informal

High or Formal Diction contains language that creates an elevated tone High or Formal Diction contains language that creates an elevated tone *no slang *no idioms *no contractions *no colloquialisms Here is an example from Hawthorne’s 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.” 4 4

Neutral Diction uses standard language and vocabulary without elaborate words and may include a few contractions. Here is an example from Hemingway’s 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. 5 5

Low or Informal Diction is the language of everyday use Low or Informal Diction is the language of everyday use! It is relaxed and conversational. Here is an example from Morrison’s 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! 6 6

TYPES OF DICTION Slang- refers to a group of recently coined words often used in informal situations. Slang words typically come and go; passing in and out of usage. Colloquialisms- nonstandard, often regional, ways of using language. For example, “Ya’ll,” “put that up,” etc. Jargon- words or expressions characteristic of a particular trade. For example, “home run,” “stealing bases,” “pitcher’s mound,” are all jargon for the profession of baseball. 7 7

Cont. Dialect- a nonstandard subgroup of language with its own vocabulary and grammatical features Here’s an example from Tom Sawyer “Sho there’s ticks a-plenty. I could have a thousand of ‘em if I wanted to.” Concrete diction- consists of specific words that describe physical qualities or conditions. Here’s an example from Morrison, “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 a cat.” 8 8

Cont. Abstract diction- refers to language the denotes ideas, emotions, conditions, or concepts. Here is an example from Conrad, he uses the words, “Incredible, inscrutable, inconceivable, and unfathomable. Connotation- the suggested meaning of a word or phrase. Denotation- the literal meaning of a word (dictionary definition of a word) 9 9

Method for discerning diction: L ow or informal diction E levated language or formal diction A bstract and concrete diction D denotation and connotation Neutral diction 10 10

Practice Analyze a section of prose in Rebecca for diction using LEADN. Look for colloquialisms, slang, jargon, and other forms of diction. Share with a partner and get a second opinion. 11 11