<p>Diction- Word choice</p><p>***Never write or say, “The author uses diction.” This is essentially saying, “The author uses words.” You must describe the diction!***</p><p>Ask yourself the following questions: 1. Which of the following categories (levels) best describes the diction in the text? 2. What effect is the author trying to achieve through the use of a specific type of diction? 3. What does the author’s use of diction suggest about his/her attitude toward the subject, event, or character? 4. What are the connotations of a given word used in a particular context? 5. What words would best describe the diction of a specific passage or text in general?</p><p>Levels of Diction  High or formal- language that creates an elevated tone. It is free of slang, idioms, colloquialisms, and contractions. It often contains polysyllabic words, sophisticated syntax, and elegant word choice.  Neutral- uses standard language and vocabulary without elaborate words and may include contractions.  Low or informal- the language of everyday use. It is relaxed and conversational. It often includes common and simple words, idioms, slang, jargon, and contractions.</p><p>Types of Diction  Slang  Colloquial expressions- are nonstandard, often regional ways of using language appropriate to informal or conversational speech and writing: e.g., “y’all”  Jargon-consists of words and expressions characteristic of a particular trade, profession, or pursuit.  Dialect- is a nonstandard subgroup of a language with its own vocabulary and grammatical features.  Concrete diction-consists of specific words that describe physical qualities or conditions. They can be perceived (a rose, a clap of thunder, the scent of violets).  Abstract diction-refers to language that denotes ideas, emotions, conditions, or concepts that are intangible (honor, generosity)  Denotation- is the exact, literal definition of a word independent of any emotional association or secondary meaning  Connotation-is the implicit rather than explicit meaning of a word and consists of the suggestions, associations, and emotional overtones attached to a word: e.g. (house vs. home). ,Words that describe Diction</p><p>Vulgar, scholarly, insipid, precise, connotative, plain, literal, colloquial, artificial, detached, emotional, pedantic, euphemistic, pretentious, symbolic, figurative, bombastic, concrete, poetic, slang, concrete, trite, obscure, …</p><p>***See “Words that describe tone”***</p>