Diction
Vocabulary of Diction
Diction: Defined as the author’s specific word choice, selected for its impact and intent.
Effective Diction: Involves clarity, concreteness, and exactness in language.
Avoidance of Non-Specific Words:
Writers should avoid vague terms such as "pretty," "good," "nice," and "bad" because they lack specificity.
Instead, writers should select words that invoke precise effects to immerse the reader in the described event.
Examples of Effective Word Choice:
A coat is described as tattered instead of simply torn.
A door is said to thud rather than just shutting.
What Can Diction Do?
•Diction affects the tone and complexity of a
text
•It can make a text formal and elevated or
informal and casual
•It can make a text strong or weak
•It can identify the speaker
Understanding Diction
General Definition: The general character of the language used by the author.
Three Levels of Word Selection:
Words are chosen based on their efficiency in three areas:
Appearance: How the word looks or presents itself textually. This includes considerations of word length, complexity, and how its visual form might influence the reader's perception (e.g., an archaic spelling might evoke a historical feel).
Sound: The phonetic quality of the word and how it resonates when spoken. This involves elements like alliteration, assonance, consonance, and onomatopoeia, which can contribute to the rhythm and mood of a text.
Meaning:
Denotation: The literal, dictionary definition of a word, devoid of emotional association.
Connotation: The implied or associated meaning of a word, often carrying emotional or cultural implications that extend beyond its literal definition.
Contextual Meaning:
Who uses the word?: This refers to the speaker's or character's background, education, social status, and personal traits, all of which influence their vocabulary choices.
Where is the word used?: This pertains to the specific setting or situation in which the word appears, influencing its appropriateness and impact (e.g., formal vs. informal settings).
Why is the word used?: This addresses the author's or speaker's intention behind selecting a particular word—whether to evoke a specific emotion, create an image, persuade, or inform.
Usage of the Term 'Diction':
It is incorrect to claim that "the author uses a lot of diction"; this phrase lacks specificity.
Whenever the term "diction" is mentioned, it must be accompanied by an adjective that describes the specific type of diction utilized (e.g., formal, colloquial, abstract).
Questions to Ask Yourself when Analyzing
Diction:
•Why did the writer choose THAT word?
•What are the connotations of the word, or
what does the word suggest?
•Why is that word suitable in this context?
•How does this word or phrase convey a
message, achieve a purpose, or develop an
argument
Analyzing Diction
Method of Analysis:
Focus on 1 or 2 specific words or short phrases that appear stronger than others; diction is never a complete sentence or quote.
Look for Patterns:
Analyze whether the chosen words convey a specific emotion, such as sadness or happiness.
Identify a pattern of diction which may emerge through repetition or similarity.
Repeated words or phrases serve to emphasize points or feelings.
Contextual Factors of Diction: Diction is influenced by several factors, including:
Subject: The topic or theme being discussed.
Occasion: The context or situation in which the writing is created.
Audience: The intended readers or listeners of the text.
Purpose: The intent behind the writing, whether to inform, persuade, entertain, etc.
Task Instructions
Closely observe and take notes from the video titled "How to Write About Diction" (4:32) for analysis.
Address the following questions:
Identify the 4 criteria that writers tailor their diction to carefully.
Explain why one should never state or write "the author uses diction."
Determine what should precede the word diction when analyzing an author’s diction in critical writing.