1. Common Critical Vocabulary
Diction

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

3. Denotation the literal meaning of a word
a word’s dictionary definition
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
A word’s “emotional baggage”
Note: the word baggage itself connotes something heavy and cumbersome; a burden—mostly negative connotations
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:
Skinny/slender
Plump/obese
Meat/flesh
Mother/Mom

6. Levels of Diction Ceremonial Formal Informal Slang
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
Sentence structures, types, orders, kinds

8. Ceremonial Level of Diction
Some archaic vocabulary—highly formal
Syntax—often uses highly complex sentence structures
Purpose—to create a particular atmosphere that impresses upon others the import of the occasion
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
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
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
Syntax: often less purposeful than formal writing; mostly medium length and simple structures
Purpose/occasion: vocab. creates a more familiar, relaxed atmosphere
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
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