1. Diction Analyzing Style

2. 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

3. 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 !

4. 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?”

5. 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!

6. 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?

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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

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

13. 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

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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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!

18. Your Assignment

19. Diction in 1984