Diction Analyzing Style

Why did you use that word? Diction Diction is a literary term that refers to the use of a certain word to achieve a particular emotion, tone of voice, or other associative meaning. A writer’s diction determines, to a great extent, his/her style. Why did you use that word? ---Smiley Guy

Describe diction by considering the following: Words can be monosyllabic (one syllable in length) polysyllabic (many syllables). The higher the ratio of polysyllabic words, the more formal, or technical the language becomes. Supercali-fragilistic-expialido-cious !

Describe diction by considering the following: Words can be mainly colloquial (slang): “No way!” informal (conversational): “I can hardly believe what you’re saying.” formal (literary or scientific): “The facts do not coincide with the evidence.” archaic (old fashioned): “Certainly this is an equivocation of some degree.” “Whassup?”

Describe diction by considering the following: Words can be mainly denotative (containing an exact meaning): dress connotative (containing a suggested meaning): gown Did you call me short? I’m just vertically challenged!

Describe diction by considering the following: Words can be concrete (specific): “dog” abstract (general or conceptual): “freedom.” Abstract words are hard to picture, and require definition. Can you touch it, taste it, see it, hear it, or smell it?

Describe diction by considering the following: Words can be euphonious (pleasant sounding): languid, murmur cacophonous (harsh sounds): raucous, croak What is a raucous, anyway?

The acronym is useful in remembering a method for analyzing diction LEADS Low or informal diction (dialect, slang, jargon) Elevated language or formal diction Abstract and concrete diction Denotation and connotation Sound The acronym is useful in remembering a method for analyzing diction

Low or Informal Diction The first step is to check for low or informal diction such as slang, dialect, and jargon. These expressions are often used in dialogue or directly by the speaker in stories told from the first person point of view. One strategy for deriving meaning from informal diction is to pay close attention to dialogue and to read the text aloud to hear how it sounds, attempting to determine meaning from sound and context. L

Elevated Language or Formal Diction The next step is to check for elevated language, indicating the use of formal diction. Because formal diction includes more elaborate, polysyllabic words, it may be more difficult to understand. Pay close attention to complex words and use a dictionary to help define words that are not understandable from the context. E

Abstract and Concrete Diction The next step is to examine the use of abstract and concrete diction. Writers may choose to use abstract or concrete words depending on the response they want to evoke from the reader. Although the more abstract words tend to be used impersonally to convey universal truths and emotions, writers in general tend to use specific, concrete words to describe people, places, and objects. Liberal use of abstract diction in a passage might make it more difficult to understand. A

Abstract and Concrete Diction Which is which? School Love Ego Education Music Raindrops A

Denotation and Connotation The next step in this process is to examine the meaning of the words. Writers not only choose words based on their denotative (literal - dictionary) definitions, but also for their connotative definitions (the meaning associated with words). D

Denotation and Connotation Name a positive, negative, and neutral synonym for each: self-confident house fat laugh sad single woman steal clever car thin

Denotation and Connotation snooty, arrogant, conceited, cocky, vain, self-satisfied, egotistical, proud, high-and-mighty, overbearing, high-hat, supercilious mansion, abode, dwelling, domicile, residence, house, home corpulent, plump, obese, heavy set, fleshy, fat, paunchy, burly, over-weight, roly poly, bulky, portly, weighty, pudgy titter, giggle, chuckle, laugh, guffaw, roar, snicker, snigger, cackle depressing, gloomy, cheerless, heartbreaking, distressing, heartrending, poignant, moving spinster, old maid, bachelorette, unmarried woman, maiden, career woman, unattached purloin, embezzle, filch, pilfer, burglarize, rob, hold up, snatch, grab, help oneself to, appropriate shrewd, calculating, clever, sly, adroit, knowing, astute, cunning, skillful, smooth automobile, auto, vehicle, van, sedan, sports car, coupe, roadster, speed machine, ride, clunker skinny, slender, slim, bony, emaciated, skeletal, slight, lanky

Try to come up with some on your own! Sound Finally, check the author’s choice of words based on their sound. Are they pleasant sounding or harsh sounding? Try to come up with some on your own! S

Always say: The author uses ______(what kind of) diction. One last tip… Never, never, never, never, say: “The author uses diction.” The author chooses words????? Don’t we all? Always say: The author uses ______(what kind of) diction. Duh!

Your Assignment