Subject Lecturer

Critical Reading Nelvia Ibrahim, S.Pd.I., M.Pd.

Details
( Diction )

Arranged by:
Group 10
1. Khairul Nofri 11910423011
2. Putri Meylani Erlan 11910415303

STUDENTS OF ENGLISH EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

(3rd SEMESTER/ B CLASS)

FACULTY OF EDUCATION AND TEACHER TRAINING

ISLAMIC STATE UNIVERSITY OF SULTAN SYARIF KASIM RIAU
PEKANBARU

2020

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 FOREWORD

Assalamu’alaikum, wr.wb

All praise thanks to Allah SWT for His grace and guidance we are given health to be
able to complete the task of this paper.Sholawat and salam always give upon our noble
Prophet Muhammad SAW who has guide us to the right way of life.

This paper was arranged as one of the group assignments in Semester III of the
Critical Reading course in the English Education Department of the Tarbiyah and Teacher
Training Faculty of UIN Sultan Syarif Kasim Riau, with the title of the paper “Diction” that
was arranged by Khairul Nofri and Putri Meylani Erlan from Group 10 in Class 3B.

In compiling this paper, it would not have been possible if without the support, and
guidance that we really respect. Therefore, we would like to thank Mrs. Nelvia Ibrahim,
S.Pd.I, M.Pd as the lecturer who gave us support to complete this paper.

Last but not least, we expect the readers suggestion and critics responding to the
presence in this paper. We hope this paper usefull for thereaders.

Wassalamualaikum, wr.wb

Pekanbaru, January 2021

Group 10

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 TABLE OF CONTENT

FOREWORD 2

TABLE OF CONTENT 3

CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION 4

A. Background 4
B. Problem Formulation 4
C. Purpose 4

CHAPTER II DISCUSSION 5

A. Definition of Diction 5
B. Types of Diction 5
C. Examples of Diction 5
D. Function of Diction 7

CHAPTER III CLOSING 8

A. Conclussion 8
B. Suggestion 8

REFERENCES 9

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 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

A. Background

Diction, “ a saying, expression, word “, in its original meaning, is a writer’s or

speaker’s distinctive vocabulary choices and style of expression in a poem or
story.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 pencuilar to a
writer.

B. Problem Formulation
1. What is definition of diction ?
2. What are diction types ?
3. What are examples of diction ?
4. What is function of diction ?
C. Purpose
1. To know the definition of diction
2. To know the types of diction
3. To know the example of diction
4. To know the function of diction

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 CHAPTER II

DISCUSSION

A. Definition of Diction
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.

Proper diction, or proper choice of words, is important to get the message

across. On the other hand, the wrong choice of words can easily divert listeners or
readers, which results in misinterpretation of the message intended to be conveyed.

B. Types of Diction
Individuals vary their diction depending on different contexts and settings.
Therefore, we come across various types of diction.
1. Formal diction – formal words are used in formal situations, such as press
conferences and presentations.
2. Informal diction – uses informal words and conversation, such as writing or
talking to friends.
3. Colloquial diction – uses words common in everyday speech, which may be
different in different regions or communities.
4. Slang diction – is the use of words that are newly coined, or even impolite.

C. Examples of Diction

Example #1: Ode on a Grecian Urn (By John Keats)

John Keats, in his Ode on a Grecian Urn, uses formal diction to achieve a certain
effect. He says: “Heard melodies are sweet, but those unheard are sweeter: therefore,
ye soft pipes, play on …”

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Notice the use of the formal “ye,” instead of the informal “you.” The formality here is
due to the respect the urn inspires in Keats. In the same poem he says: “Ah, happy,
happy boughs! that cannot shed your leaves, nor ever bid the spring adieu.”

It is more formal to use “adieu” than to say “goodbye.”

Example #2: The Sun Rising (By John Donne)

In sharp contrast to Keats, John Donne uses colloquialism in his poem The Sun
Rising:“Busy old fool, unruly Sun, why dost thou thus, through windows, and through
curtains, call on us? must to thy motions lovers’ seasons run? saucy pedantic wretch,
go chide. “

Treating the sun as a real human being in this excerpt, the poet speaks to the sun in an
informal way, using colloquial expressions. He rebukes the sun because it has
appeared to spoil the good time he is having with his beloved. Further, he orders the
“saucy pedantic sun” to go away.

Example #3: The School (By Donald Barthelme)

Writers skillfully choose words to develop a certain tone and atmosphere in their
works. Read the following excerpt from a short story The School, by Donald
Barthelme:

“And the trees all died. They were orange trees. I don’t know why they died, they just
died. Something wrong with the soil possibly or maybe the stuff we got from the
nursery wasn’t the best. We complained about it. So we’ve got thirty kids there, each
kid had his or her own little tree to plant and we’ve got these thirty dead trees. All
these kids looking at these little brown sticks, it was depressing.”

The use of the words “died,” “dead,” “brown sticks,” and “depressing” gives a
gloomy tone to the passage.

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D. The Function of Diction
In literature, writers choose words to create and convey a typical mood, tone,
and atmosphere to their readers. A writer’s choice of words, and his selection of
graphic words, not only affect the reader’s attitude, but also conveys the writer’s
feelings toward the literary work. Moreover, poetry is known for its unique diction,
which separates it from prose. Usually, a poetic diction is marked by the use of
figures of speech,rhyming words,and other devices

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 CHAPTER III

CLOSING

A. Conclussion

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.

Proper diction, or proper choice of words, is important to get the message across.
On the other hand, the wrong choice of words can easily divert listeners or readers,
which results in misinterpretation of the message intended to be conveyed.

B. Suggestion
From the various descriptions above there are still many shortcomings, the
authors expect criticism and suggestion from readers that are relevant and hopefully
the exposure of the material above can add insight and can be useful for us all.
Hopefully the readers can be understand the material that writer presents in this paper.

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 REFERENCES

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diction

https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-diction-learn-8-different-types-of-diction-in-
writing-with-examples#what-is-diction-in-writing

https://literarydevices.net/diction/