diction the author’s choice of words meaning words have two ways to communicate meaning:...
TRANSCRIPT
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Diction
The author’s choice of words
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Meaning
Words have two ways to communicate meaning:
Denotation the literal meaning of the word
Connotation an association (emotional or otherwise) which
the word evokes
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Denotation
This is the strict definition or definitions that can be found in the dictionary.
Words are chosen for their denotative meaning to express ideas clearly and specifically.
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Connotation
Words can have a positive, negative, or neutral connotation.
The connotation of a word can vary by culture, region and time period. For example, both "woman" and "broad" have the
denotation "adult female" in North American society, but "broad" has somewhat negative connotations, while "woman" is neutral.
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Consider
positive There are over 2,000 homeless in the city.
neutral There are over 2,000 people with no fixed
address in the city. negative
There are over 2,000 vagrants in the city.
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Slang
Highly informal words and expressions that are not considered standard in the speaker's dialect or language. Varies based on culture, region, or time period.
What slang terms do you use?
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Consider
Dude Cool Sucks Sweet omg jk! u ok? <3 u! c u l8r! kthxbi!
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Rhetorical Impact
Correct use of slang can help the author identify with the audience by showing that he is knowledgeable about the audience’s culture.
However, as informal diction, it may make the author seem like he is not taking the subject seriously.
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Syntax
The way words are arranged
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Syntax is the way words and clauses are arranged to form sentences.
That arrangement contributes to and enhances meaning and effect.
Definition
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Or more simply:
It’s how authors put words and phrases together.
Syntax helps authors effectively make their points.
In other words…
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Tone
The author’s attitude towards the subject
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Definition
Tone is the author’s attitude towards the subject.
For example:
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“There’s This that I like About Hockey,
My Lad” by John Kieran (continued)
There’s this that I like about hockey, old chap;
I think you’ll agree that I’m right;Although you may get an occasional rap,
There’s always good fun in the fight.So toss in the puck, for the players are set;Sing ho! For the dash on the enemy net;And ho! For the smash as a challenge is met;
And hey! For a glorious night!
There’s this that I like about hockey
old chap
good fun
enemy net
glorious nightAuthor’s Attitude towards Hockey
Author is speaking to
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Tone is the attitude writers take towards their subject .
Would this poem have a different meaning for the
reader if the tone was changed?
Tone
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Figurative Language
Describing something through comparisons
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What is figurative language?
Whenever you describe something by comparing it with something else, you are using figurative language.
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Types of Figurative Language
Imagery Simile Metaphor Alliteration Personification Onomatopoeia Hyperbole Idioms
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Imagery Language that appeals to the
senses. Descriptions of people or objects stated in terms of our senses.
• Sight • Hearing • Touch • Taste • Smell
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Simile
A figure of speech which involves a direct comparison between two unlike things, usually with the words like or as. Example: The muscles on his brawny
arms are strong as iron bands.
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Metaphor
A figure of speech which involves an implied comparison between two relatively unlike things using a form of be. The comparison is not announced by like or as. Example: The road was a ribbon wrapped
through the dessert.
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Alliteration
Repeated consonant sounds occurring at the beginning of words or within words. Example: She was wide-eyed and
wondering while she waited for Walter to waken.
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Personification
A figure of speech which gives the qualities of a person to an animal, an object, or an idea. Example: “The wind yells while
blowing."
The wind cannot yell. Only a living thing can yell.
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Onomatopoeia
The use of words that mimic sounds. Example: The firecracker made a
loud ka-boom!
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Hyperbole
An exaggerated statement used to heighten effect. It is not used to mislead the reader, but to emphasize a point. Example: She’s said yes on several
million occasions.
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Idioms An idiom or idiomatic expression refers to
a construction or expression in one language that cannot be matched or directly translated word-for-word in another language. Example: "She has a bee in her bonnet," meaning "she is obsessed," cannot be literally translated into another language word for word.