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FPSC Diction

This document discusses different types of diction used in writing including formal, informal, pedantic, pedestrian, slang, colloquial, abstract, concrete, and poetic diction. It provides examples and explanations of each type of diction and how they determine the style and tone of writing.

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62 views

FPSC Diction

This document discusses different types of diction used in writing including formal, informal, pedantic, pedestrian, slang, colloquial, abstract, concrete, and poetic diction. It provides examples and explanations of each type of diction and how they determine the style and tone of writing.

Uploaded by

saimazul97
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Diction in

FPSC English
Lectureship
Paper
The body of words you know and understand is
called “vocabulary.”
The practice of choosing how to use those words is
called “diction.”
Both are important, but in different ways.
Vocabulary is important as a body of knowledge.
Diction is important as an activity you practice.
In writing, diction is the strategic choice of words
based on the audience, context, or situation. It can
also express additional meanings or particular
styles. The words you'd choose in an email to your
teacher or work colleague are different from the
words you'd choose when speaking to a close
friend—that's diction.
What is diction?
In writing, diction refers to the words the writer chooses to use.
The decision to use one word instead of another, even when they
have similar meanings, changes the reader’s interpretation.

What is the purpose of diction?


Diction allows the writer to communicate tone with subtlety and
nuance. For example, formal diction comes across as more
serious and professional, while informal diction comes across as
more playful and friendlier.
What are the different types of diction?

There are a few different diction types, but the common ones include
formal, informal, pedantic, pedestrian, slang, colloquial, abstract,
concrete, and poetic.

How is diction used in writing?

Through word choice, diction effectively determines the style and tone of a
piece of writing, making diction an important tool. It can also aid indirect
characterization when applied to a character’s dialogue.
Formal diction

Formal diction uses the proper definitions of words in a mostly


serious tone. This is the style of workplaces, schools, and other
formal environments. Formal language doesn’t take any risks
and can come across as bland or boring, but for the sake of
clarity, it’s the best choice when speaking to strangers or
authority figures.

Example of formal diction:


Respectfully, I must disagree.
Informal diction

Informal diction is the opposite of formal diction; it involves the


playful use of words, including jokes and wordplay. Informal
diction is the way you talk to the people closest to you, as
opposed to strangers or work colleagues. It’s best in casual
situations, but it can sound out of place in serious situations.

Example of informal diction:


No way, that’s not true at all.
Pedantic diction

Pedantic diction uses an excessive amount of academic or “big” words, as


if the speaker is trying to prove how smart they are. Pedantic diction
comes across as arrogant in real life, but it’s nonetheless useful as a
writing tool. In fictional dialogue, it can show that a character is overly
concerned with appearing intelligent or sophisticated, as with Jay Gatsby
in The Great Gatsby.

Example of pedantic diction:


In examination of your stance, I have identified some critical errors that I
will now expound on.
Pedestrian diction

Pedestrian diction is considered the opposite of pedantic; instead of


trying to sound smart, it’s trying to sound normal or common. Pedestrian
diction, which doesn’t use fancy words or slang, is thought to be how
regular people talk. It’s the type of diction used by politicians when
speaking to diverse crowds or by people with technical knowledge when
explaining something to people without that knowledge.

Example of pedestrian diction:


I understand what you’re saying, but there’s something very important that
you’re missing.
Slang

Diction with slang, an extension of informal diction,


encompasses words and phrases that only a particular type of
person understands. Slang is often divided by generation, such
as “sussy,” used by Gen Z, and “nifty,” used by baby boomers.
Slang can also encompass business jargon, which is slang that’s
understood only by people in a certain profession or trade.

Example of slang diction:


You’re full of it!
Colloquial diction

Similar to slang, colloquial diction refers to specific words or phrases used in


particular geographical locations. For example, people in the Northeast and on the
West Coast of the US use the word “soda,” those in the Northwest and Midwest say
“pop,” and those in the Deep South use “coke” as a generic term. All three words mean
the same thing but reflect the language of a specific region. Colloquial diction also
includes special expressions that are popular only in certain areas.

Colloquial diction can also represent dialects of a language, such as the Argentine
dialect Rioplatense Spanish, whose grammar rules and pronunciation differ from
those of proper Spanish.

Example of colloquial diction:


Sounds like you’ve loaded the wrong wagon.
Abstract diction

Abstract diction refers to discussing something


intangible, like an idea or emotion. It’s hard to put
abstract thoughts into words, so abstract diction often
comes across as vague or ambiguous.

Example of abstract diction:

What you said doesn’t feel right.


Concrete diction

The opposite of abstract diction is concrete diction, which uses


specific and direct language with minimal ambiguity. Concrete
diction describes things as they are, adhering to the proper
definitions of words and citing only the facts.

Example of concrete diction:

I understand that you believe you are correct, but you are missing
a necessary piece of information.
Poetic diction

Poetic diction makes use of rhymes, rhythm, and phonetics to make


words sound pleasing together. While it’s out of place in everyday speech
and writing, it’s a necessary element of many creative outlets such as
poetry, song lyrics, rap, and to some extent speechwriting.

Example of poetic diction:

What a foolish and ignorant thing you just said

Hear my rebuttal and your cheeks will burn red

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