LECTURE 3

DICTION
What is Diction?
Diction is the choice of words in writing or speaking. It affects the tone, style, and how the
audience understands the message. There are different types of diction based on the situation,
audience, and purpose.

Types of Diction
1. Formal Diction

o What it is: Professional, proper, and serious language.

o Where it’s used: Academic writing, official speeches, and formal documents.

o Example: "The results of the study are significant."

2. Informal Diction

o What it is: Casual, everyday language with slang or contractions.

o Where it’s used: Chats, casual writing, and friendly conversations.

o Example: "What’s up?"

3. Colloquial Diction

o What it is: Local or regional words and phrases.

o Where it’s used: To show cultural or regional identity.

o Example: "Y’all come back soon!"

4. Slang Diction

o What it is: Trendy, modern words used by specific groups (e.g., youth).

o Where it’s used: To sound cool or modern.

o Example: "This party is lit!"

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5. Pedantic Diction

o What it is: Overly formal or complicated words, often sounding too serious.

o Where it’s used: To show expertise or precision, but sometimes feels stuffy.

o Example: "This topic warrants further investigation."

6. Poetic Diction

o What it is: Beautiful and creative words that make you imagine things.

o Where it’s used: Poetry or descriptive writing.

o Example: "The golden sun kissed the peaceful sea."

7. Abstract Diction

o What it is: Words about ideas, emotions, or concepts (not physical things).

o Where it’s used: To discuss feelings or big ideas.

o Example: "Freedom is priceless."

8. Concrete Diction

o What it is: Words about real things you can see, touch, or smell.

o Where it’s used: To describe things clearly.

o Example: "The red rose smelled sweet."

9. Jargon

o What it is: Special words used by experts in a field.

o Where it’s used: In technical or professional talk.

o Example: "The patient needs an X-ray."

10. Archaic Diction

o What it is: Old-fashioned or outdated words.

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 o Where it’s used: To give a historical feel.

o Example: "Thou shalt not lie."

11. Neutral Diction

o What it is: Simple and clear language.

o Where it’s used: General communication and easy-to-read writing.

o Example: "She sat by the window."

Conclusion

The words you choose (diction) matter! They help set the tone and make your message clear,
depending on who you’re talking to and what you want to say.

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Subjective-Type Questions

1. What is diction, and why is it important in communication?

Answer:
Diction is the choice of words in speaking or writing. It shapes the tone, style, and clarity of the
message. Diction is important because it determines how effectively the message resounds with
the audience, whether it feels formal, casual, poetic, or technical. For example, using formal
diction in academic papers establishes professionalism, while informal diction creates a friendly
tone in casual conversations.

2. Explain the difference between formal diction and informal diction. Provide examples of
each.

Answer:

o Formal diction uses professional, proper, and sophisticated language. It avoids slang and
contractions. Example: "The findings of the research are highly significant."
o Informal diction is casual and conversational, often using slang or contractions.
Example: "What’s up? I can’t believe this!"

The key difference lies in the tone and purpose. Formal diction suits professional settings, while
informal diction fits casual conversations.

3. How does colloquial diction reflect the culture or region of a speaker? Give two
examples.

Answer:
Colloquial diction includes local or regional words and phrases that reflect the speaker’s cultural
or geographical background. For instance:

1. "Y’all better hurry up!" – A phrase commonly used in the Southern United States.
2. "I’m gonna grab some grub." – Reflecting informal American speech.

This type of diction adds authenticity and cultural identity to language.

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Short Questions Answers

1. What is diction?

Diction is the choice of words in writing or speaking, shaping tone and clarity.

2. What is formal diction?

Formal diction uses professional and proper language, avoiding slang or casual expressions.

3. What is informal diction?

Informal diction is casual and conversational, often including slang and contractions.

4. What is the purpose of colloquial diction?

Colloquial diction reflects cultural or regional identity through local phrases.

5. What is slang diction?

Slang diction includes trendy or modern words, often used by specific groups like youth.

6. What is poetic diction?

Poetic diction uses imaginative and beautiful language to evoke emotions and imagery.

7. What is abstract diction?

Abstract diction describes ideas, emotions, or concepts rather than physical objects.

8. What is concrete diction?

Concrete diction refers to specific, tangible objects or sensory details.

9. What is jargon?

Jargon is specialized language used by professionals in a specific field.

10. What is archaic diction?

Archaic diction includes old-fashioned words no longer in common use.

11. What is neutral diction?

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Neutral diction is simple and clear language, avoiding slang or overly formal words.

12. Why is diction important?

Diction sets the tone, style, and clarity of communication, ensuring the message fits the audience
and purpose.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. What is the meaning of diction?

a) Choice of tone
b) Choice of words
c) Choice of subject
d) Choice of audience
Answer: b) Choice of words
2. Which type of diction uses professional and proper language?
a) Informal diction
b) Slang diction
c) Formal diction
d) Neutral diction
Answer: c) Formal diction
3. Which diction reflects local or regional language?
a) Poetic diction
b) Jargon
c) Colloquial diction
d) Abstract diction
Answer: c) Colloquial diction
4. What is jargon?
a) Casual expressions
b) Trendy words
c) Specialized language used by professionals
d) Old-fashioned words
Answer: c) Specialized language used by professionals

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5. What type of diction includes old-fashioned or outdated words?
a) Archaic diction
b) Neutral diction
c) Formal diction
d) Concrete diction
Answer: a) Archaic diction
6. Which type of diction describes emotions and ideas rather than physical objects?
a) Concrete diction
b) Abstract diction
c) Neutral diction
d) Slang diction
Answer: b) Abstract diction
7. What type of diction uses creative and elevated language for imagery?
a) Poetic diction
b) Informal diction
c) Colloquial diction
d) Pedantic diction
Answer: a) Poetic diction
8. Which type of diction is simple and avoids slang or complex language?
a) Neutral diction
b) Informal diction
c) Jargon
d) Slang diction
Answer: a) Neutral diction
9. Which diction style is characterized by overly formal or academic language?
a) Formal diction
b) Pedantic diction
c) Poetic diction
d) Slang diction
Answer: b) Pedantic diction

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 10. Which type of diction is used in casual conversations and includes slang?
a) Informal diction
b) Formal diction
c) Poetic diction
d) Abstract diction
Answer: a) Informal diction

True/False Questions

1. Diction refers to the choice of words in writing or speaking.

Answer: True
2. Formal diction uses slang and casual expressions.
Answer: False
3. Informal diction is suitable for friendly conversations and casual writing.
Answer: True
4. Colloquial diction reflects local or regional language.
Answer: True
5. Slang diction is appropriate for official and academic writing.
Answer: False
6. Poetic diction uses creative and imaginative language to evoke emotions.
Answer: True
7. Abstract diction focuses on tangible objects and sensory details.
Answer: False
8. Concrete diction describes physical objects and sensory experiences.
Answer: True
9. Jargon is the use of old-fashioned or outdated words.
Answer: False
10. Archaic diction is often used to give a historical or traditional feel.
Answer: True
11. Neutral diction avoids both overly formal and overly casual language.
Answer: True

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 12. Pedantic diction can sometimes alienate readers due to its overly formal tone.
Answer: True
13. Slang diction is commonly used in professional and technical communication.
Answer: False
14. Diction can influence the tone and clarity of communication.
Answer: True
15. Formal diction is always better than informal diction.
Answer: False

Fill in the Blanks

1. Diction refers to the choice of ______ in writing or speaking.
Answer: words
2. Formal diction is used in ______ documents and professional communication.
Answer: official
3. Informal diction often includes ______ and contractions.
Answer: slang
4. Colloquial diction reflects ______ or regional language.
Answer: local
5. The phrase "Y’all better hurry up!" is an example of ______ diction.
Answer: colloquial
6. Slang diction is commonly used by specific groups, often in ______ culture.
Answer: youth
7. Poetic diction uses ______ language to evoke emotions and imagery.
Answer: creative
8. Abstract diction describes ______ and concepts rather than physical objects.
Answer: ideas
9. Concrete diction focuses on ______, tangible objects or sensory details.
Answer: specific
10. Jargon is specialized language used by ______ in a particular field.
Answer: professionals
11. Archaic diction includes ______ words that are no longer commonly used.
Answer: old-fashioned
12. Neutral diction avoids slang and overly ______ language.
Answer: formal
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 13. Pedantic diction can make writing seem overly ______ or complicated.
Answer: formal
14. The phrase "Freedom is priceless" is an example of ______ diction.
Answer: abstract
15. The phrase "The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the air" is an example of ______
diction.
Answer: concrete

Match the terms in Column A with their appropriate definitions or examples in Column B:

Column A Column B
1. Formal Diction a) "Y’all better hurry up!"
2. Informal Diction b) Old-fashioned words like "thou" and "hence"
3. Colloquial Diction c) Professional, proper language used in official communication
4. Slang Diction d) Words specific to a profession, e.g., "tachycardia"
5. Poetic Diction e) "Hey, what’s up?"
6. Abstract Diction f) Creative, emotional, and imagery-rich language
7. Concrete Diction g) "Freedom is priceless."
8. Jargon h) "The red rose smelled sweet."
9. Archaic Diction i) Trendy or modern expressions, e.g., "This party is lit!"
10. Neutral Diction j) Simple and clear language, e.g., "She sat by the window."

Answers

1→c
2→e
3→a
4→i
5→f
6→g
7→h
8→d
9→b
10 → j

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