What is Diction?*
- “When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume, among the Powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.”
- “Get outta my way, bimbo!”
You likely recognize the first example: It’s the opening of “The Declaration of Independence.” The second example? It was yelled at me when a fellow driver decided that I wasn’t driving fast enough (and I drive plenty fast!).
These two selections are very different because of their words. Diction is a writer’s choice of words. Your diction affects the clarity and impact of your message. Therefore, the diction you want in a specific writing situation depends on context: your audience, purpose, and tone.
*Taken from: ENGLISH GRAMMAR FOR THE UTTERLY CONFUSED by Laurie Rozakis - 2003 - The McGraw-Hill Companies.
posted by Mr. Wishes @ 11:23 AM
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