1. Common Critical Vocabulary Diction

2. Diction Word choice Word choice –Most obvious indicator of tone (attitude) Choose words carefully, considering Choose words carefully, considering –Purpose –Audience –Occasion

3. Denotation the literal meaning of a word the literal meaning of a word a word’s dictionary definition a word’s dictionary definition ex: Nazi ex: Nazi –A member of the German Socialist political party during the 1930’s and 1940’s.

4. Connotation The ideas, attitudes, and feelings surrounding a word The ideas, attitudes, and feelings surrounding a word A word’s “emotional baggage” A word’s “emotional baggage” –Note: the word baggage itself connotes something heavy and cumbersome; a burden— mostly negative connotations Ex. Nazi Ex. Nazi –Brutality, genocide, ash and smoke from the ovens, piles of picked-through luggage, cattle cars; gas chambers; emaciated prisoners

5. Practice! For each of the following pairs of words, determine their relationship, both denotative and connotative: For each of the following pairs of words, determine their relationship, both denotative and connotative: –Skinny/slender –Swing/lurch –Plump/obese –Meat/flesh –Father/Daddy

6. Levels of Diction Ceremonial Ceremonial Formal Formal Informal Informal Slang Slang Consider vocabulary, usage, and syntax in determining level of diction Consider vocabulary, usage, and syntax in determining level of diction

7. Syntax Word order—the purposeful way in which a writer arranges words and sentences Word order—the purposeful way in which a writer arranges words and sentences Sentence structures, types, orders, kinds Sentence structures, types, orders, kinds

8. Ceremonial Level of Diction Some archaic vocabulary—highly formal Some archaic vocabulary—highly formal Syntax—often uses highly complex sentence structures Syntax—often uses highly complex sentence structures Purpose—to create a particular atmosphere that impresses upon others the import of the occasion Purpose—to create a particular atmosphere that impresses upon others the import of the occasion Occasion—highly formal; weddings, funerals, inaugurations, graduations Occasion—highly formal; weddings, funerals, inaugurations, graduations

9. Formal Level of Diction Vocabulary: words labeled “form.” in a dictionary; vocabulary is large & mature—words are specific—speak to the nuances of meanings Vocabulary: words labeled “form.” in a dictionary; vocabulary is large & mature—words are specific—speak to the nuances of meanings Syntax: often more complex sentence structures—lengths and types of sentences chosen for their specific effects on the audience and the work as a whole Syntax: often more complex sentence structures—lengths and types of sentences chosen for their specific effects on the audience and the work as a whole Occasions: scholarly essays, papers, research, speeches, letters of a business nature, resumes Occasions: scholarly essays, papers, research, speeches, letters of a business nature, resumes Audience: those in authority—principals, senators, bosses (respect); those who are well- educated Audience: those in authority—principals, senators, bosses (respect); those who are well- educated

10. Informal Level of Diction Vocabulary: smaller pool of words from which to choose; mostly words labeled “inf.” in a dictionary Vocabulary: smaller pool of words from which to choose; mostly words labeled “inf.” in a dictionary Syntax: often less purposeful than formal writing; mostly medium length and simple structures Syntax: often less purposeful than formal writing; mostly medium length and simple structures Purpose/occasion: vocab. creates a more familiar, relaxed atmosphere Purpose/occasion: vocab. creates a more familiar, relaxed atmosphere Audience: classroom discussion, informal letters to family (not the notes you write in class!) Audience: classroom discussion, informal letters to family (not the notes you write in class!)

11. Slang Level of Diction Vocabulary: quite small; riddled with words labeled “sl.” in a dictionary, considered non- standard English Vocabulary: quite small; riddled with words labeled “sl.” in a dictionary, considered non- standard English Syntax: non-standard—fragments, run-ons, non-standard spellings and punctuation; mostly short sentences. Syntax: non-standard—fragments, run-ons, non-standard spellings and punctuation; mostly short sentences. Purpose, Occasion, Audience: casual situations, i.e. notes to friends, casual conversations, certain genres of song lyrics, texting & im’ing Purpose, Occasion, Audience: casual situations, i.e. notes to friends, casual conversations, certain genres of song lyrics, texting & im’ing