DICTION

What is Diction in Writing?

     Diction can best be described as the writer and speaker’s own personal style, as evidenced by the words they choose. Along with literary devices like tone, diction helps to establish a writer’s voice.Different levels of diction are appropriate not just to their context but also to different audiences. Just as you would not address the president of a company with, “Yo, dawg!” you would not greet a classmate by shaking their hand and saying,”I can’t tell you how pleased I am at this chance for us to get further acquainted.” In writing, the goal is to maintain a level of diction that is both appropriate and consistent. “High diction” is a formal writing style best suited for essays and university entrance letters. “Low diction,” which might contain slang, is appropriate in emails and texts. While you can mix levels of diction on purpose for effect, uneven diction is generally a characteristic of bad writing. All writing contains diction. What you want to pay attention to is the level of diction an author uses, the intent of that diction — sometimes, for instance, diction helps establish a first person narrator’s persona — and its appropriateness to the work. Diction is usually judged with reference to the prevailing standards of proper writing and speech and is seen as the mark of quality of the writing. It is also understood as the selection of certain words or phrases that become peculiar to a writer. Diction can be defined as style of speaking or writing, determined by the choice of words by a speaker or a writer. Diction, or choice of words, often separates good writing from bad writing. It depends on a number of factors. Firstly, the word has to be right and accurate. Secondly, words should be appropriate to the context in which they are used. Lastly, the choice of words should be such that the listener or reader understands easily.

 Why is it important?

    Diction is important in conveying the appropriate message to our audience. It allows you to use the right words at the right time and avoid using the wrong wording. Diction in writing refers to your word choice. So obviously, the words you choose to incorporate into your writing is important. The choice will depend on the style you are going for - if you are writing a manual, you probably won't use literary words often found in poems. On the other hand, if you are writing a poem, you won't use technical words on how to fix something. Diction is very important because it helps you say words the proper way that they are supposed to be said. Effective diction is the choice of words that best communicate your purpose to your audience. Your diction must be tailored to fit the specific context of your sentences and paragraphs and of your paper as a whole. Your choices of effective diction depend on your subject, audience, and purpose.