Business
This lesson will focus on constructing a paragraph that analyzes a writer’s choice of language, or diction. As you learned before in Lesson 03.03, diction is the author’s choice of words. Carefully chosen to enhance writing, these words produce an effect on the reader. You studied the terms associated with diction. Now, we will focus on the terms denotation and connotation.
Denotation and Connotation
• The denotative meaning of a word is the literal or actual meaning, the one you find in the dictionary.
• The connotative meaning of a word relies on the feelings or emotions that the word produces on the reader.
For example: The words work and toil mean the same if you look in the dictionary. Webster’s Dictionary defines work as “exertion or effort directed to produce or accomplish something.” It also lists toil as a synonym. However, the connotation of the word toil is hard work, overwork, dull, boring or distasteful. Obviously, there is a degree of difference that changes the tone of what is being said.
Observe the difference in action!
Husband: Good-bye, honey, I am off to work!
Wife: Have a good day!
or
Husband: Good-bye, honey, I am off to toil, all the living long day.
Wife: Okay, have a nice day!
The following words have similar denotative meanings.
• Explain the connotative difference between the two words.
1. snooze, sleep
2. disturbed, distracted
3. sunshine, glare
4. house, home
5. write, compose
• Then add five pairs of your own explaining their connotative differences, and submit for 03.10 Denotation Connotation
Diction
Diction is the author’s choice of words. These words are carefully chosen to enhance the writing and produce an effect on the reader. We can divide diction into two major categories: formal and informal language. Think of the difference between the two as the difference in your choice of dress if you were attending a wedding, or going to the beach.
• Formal language is used in such specialized writing as legalized documents, business letters, technical or instructional manuals, and formal research papers.
• Informal language is more like a casual conversation and can be found in such writings as newspapers, advertising, magazines, and fictional literature. You will find the inclusion of contractions (isn’t, can’t), popular expressions (Oh brother!), slang (Yeah, whatever), or references to oneself (I didn’t like the movie…).
The chart below provides terms that are associated with diction.
Print this page, read and study the chart, and then complete the online assessment 03.03A Diction Quiz.
Afterwards, return to U.S. and World News to continue the lesson.
Language Definition Example
Archaic Words that are old fashioned and no longer in use. I pray thee pardon me.
Thou shalt not leave now.
Colloquialism Expressions accepted in informal writings and spoken by the general public, but not found in formal writing. I’ll get back to you on that.
Idiom A phrase or expression that is not taken literally for its meaning. I just died when I saw the wedding dress!
Jargon The specialized vocabulary used in any professional area such as medical, legal or technical field. The program takes up too much memory on my CPU.
Slang Expressions used by particular groups often considered exaggerated or modern. The party was so totally cool!
Cliché An expression that is so overused, it no longer creates an interesting effect in writing. His eyes were as cold as ice.
Euphemism The substitution of a word considered too blunt, for one that is milder. Twenty employees were laid-off (fired) due to downsizing.
Loaded Language Words or expressions that are “weighed down” with importance that appeals to the emotions. We have a right to protest this downsizing.
Sexist Language Words or expressions that promote gender stereotypes. Word of caution! Some words such as “he” and “she” are needed sometimes; not all gender determining language can be eliminated. Our postman is always on time. (mail carrier)
The stewardess brought our meals as soon as the plane was airborne. (flight attendant)
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