MAKING SENSE OF WORDS
​C-A-N B-E E-A-S-Y
​FOR LEARNERS & TEACHERS
​WORD/PLAY
A STUDY OF LANGUAGE FOR IMPACT
WHAT IS DICTION?
IT REFERS TO THE CHOICE OF WORDS USED BY THE WRITER.
Writers choose their words carefully to convey an implied meaning, to create a mood, to evoke a feeling or suggest the writer’s attitude. Analysing diction requires you to ask why that word was used and to try to understand the implied meaning.
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THE POWER OF DICTION
What words would you use to describe the fangs?
• Sharp
• Nasty
• Threatening
• Scary
• Menacing
What feelings are evoked in you?
• Fear and uneasiness
How do you feel about the situation?
• Threatening atmosphere
• Tense, dangerous situation
TRY THIS OUT!
Compare the imagery used below by paying attention to diction.
Imagery A
• Idyllic,
• Calm waves
• We took a beautiful stroll along the tranquil beach, our senses lulled by the soothing waves and the peaceful sunset in the horizon.
Imagery B
• Stormy sea,
• Towering waves
• The tiny boat bobbed dangerously on the sea, tossed in all directions by the strong waves that threatened to crush it at any moment.
What picture comes to your mind when you read these phrases?
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