English Writing I Diction © Olga Predushchenko, Jiujiang University

Diction  Diction is the choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing.  Synonyms : phraseology, phrasing, turn of phrase, wording, language, usage, vocabulary, terminology, expressions, idioms © Olga Predushchenko, Jiujiang University

Diction I. Levels of Words  From a stylistic point of view, the words that are often used may be divided into three types:  1. Formal  2. Common  3. Informal © Olga Predushchenko, Jiujiang University

Diction Formal Words  1. may also be called learned words, or literary words, or “big” words  2. mainly appear in formal writing : theoretical works, political and legal documents, formal lectures and papers.  3. many formal words contain three or more than three syllables  4. most of them are of Greek or Latin origin  5. seldom used in daily conversations © Olga Predushchenko, Jiujiang University

Diction Common Words  1. used every day  2. appear in all kinds of writing © Olga Predushchenko, Jiujiang University

Diction Informal Words  1. mainly used in informal or familiar conversations  2. seldom appear in formal writing  3. used to record people’s thoughts and dialogues  4. usually short, one or two syllables  5. most of them are of Saxon origin © Olga Predushchenko, Jiujiang University

Diction Slang  1. used only by special groups of people for special effect  2. highly informal  3. may be vivid and interesting  4. may sound offensive or funny © Olga Predushchenko, Jiujiang University

Diction II. The Meaning of Words  two aspects:  1. denotative  2. connotative © Olga Predushchenko, Jiujiang University

Diction II. The Meaning of Words  1. Denotation is the literal or primary meaning of a word.  2. Connotation is an idea or feeling that a word invokes in addition to its literal or primary meaning. © Olga Predushchenko, Jiujiang University

Diction III. General and Specific Words  1. General words are considering or including the main features or elements of smth.  2. Specific words are clearly defined or identified. The are more concrete and colorful © Olga Predushchenko, Jiujiang University

Diction IV. Idioms  An idiom is a fixed group of words with special meaning which is different of the words that form it. © Olga Predushchenko, Jiujiang University