what is diction ?
Deciding whether to use the word "drunk" or "intoxicated" is a matter of diction. The words mean the same thing, right? But why would one author choose the first and another author choose the second?
Here's a section from Chapter II of Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn:
He listened some more; then he come tiptoeing down and stood right between us; we could a touched him, nearly. Well, likely it was minutes and minutes that there warn't a sound, and we all there so close together. There was a place on my ankle that got to itching, but I dasn't scratch it; and then my ear begun to itch; and next my back, right between my shoulders. Seemed like I'd die if I couldn't scratch. Well, I've noticed that thing plenty times since. If you are
with the quality, or at a funeral, or trying to go to
sleep when you ain't sleepy -- if you are anywheres where it won't do for you to scratch, why you will itch all over in upwards of a thousand places.
And here's a section from Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities:
It was the Dover road that lay, on a Friday night late in November, before the first of the persons with whom this history has business. The Dover road lay, as to him, beyond the Dover mail, as it lumbered up Shooter's Hill. He walked up hill in the mire by the side of the mail, as the rest of the passengers did; not because they had the least relish for walking exercise, under the circumstances, but because the hill, and the harness, and the mud, and the mail, were all so heavy, that the horses had three times already come to a stop, besides once drawing the coach across the road, with the mutinous intent of taking it back to Blackheath. Reins and whip and coachman and guard, however, in combination, had read that article of war which forbade a purpose otherwise strongly in favour of the argument, that some brute animals are endued with Reason; and the team had capitulated and returned to their duty.
Why do you think these authors chose such vastly different wording for their stories? That's what diction is all about ... choice of words.
i didn't understand to much is it word cgoice
dic·tion
ˈdikSHən/Submit
noun
1.
the choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing.
"Wordsworth campaigned against exaggerated poetic diction"
2.
the style of enunciation in speaking or singing.
"she began imitating his careful diction"
Diction refers to the choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing. It plays an important role in communication, as it influences how a message is understood and received by the audience. There are several ways to understand the concept of diction:
1. Dictionary definition: Look up the word "diction" in a dictionary. The definition will typically describe it as the style or manner of speaking and writing, including the choice of words and the way in which they are used.
2. Contextual understanding: Pay attention to how a word is used within a particular sentence or passage. Analyze how the word choice contributes to the overall meaning, tone, or style of the text. Words with different connotations can have a significant impact on how a message is perceived.
3. Literary analysis: When studying literature, diction is often analyzed to gain insights into the author's intentions and the effectiveness of their writing. By examining the word choice, you can identify patterns, themes, or character traits that contribute to the author's purpose.
4. Writing style: In your own writing, diction plays a crucial role in conveying your ideas accurately and effectively. Consider the audience, tone, and purpose of your writing, and choose words and phrases that best suit your goals. Experiment with different vocabulary to achieve the desired impact.
In summary, diction is the selection and use of words and phrases to convey meaning, tone, and style in communication. Understanding diction involves analyzing word choice in various contexts, such as dictionary definitions, literary analysis, and personal writing.