Answer: The American Embassy short story is formal diction, because it uses standard English, complex sentences, and precise vocabulary.
Explanation: Diction is the choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing. Diction can be classified into different levels of formality, such as formal, informal, colloquial, or slang. Formal diction is characterized by the following features:
- It uses standard English, following the rules of grammar, syntax, and punctuation.
- It avoids contractions, abbreviations, and colloquialisms.
- It uses complex sentences, with subordinate clauses and transitions.
- It uses precise and specific vocabulary, often with technical or academic terms.
- It creates a serious, respectful, and objective tone.
The American Embassy short story by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is an example of formal diction. The story is about a woman who tries to get a visa at the American embassy in Lagos after her son is killed by soldiers during a pro-democracy protest. The story uses formal diction to convey the woman’s trauma, the political situation in Nigeria, and the contrast between her expectations and reality. Here are some examples of formal diction from the story:
- “She had buried her son two days before.” (p. 1) This sentence uses standard English, with no contractions or colloquialisms. It also uses a precise verb (buried) and a specific time reference (two days before).
- “She had helped smuggle her husband out of the country the day before that.” (p. 1) This sentence uses a complex sentence structure, with a subordinate clause (the day before that) and a transition (before). It also uses a technical term (smuggle) and an academic term (country).
- “She tried to keep her mind blank like her doctor told her to; she needed to be alert for her visa interview.” (p. 1) This sentence uses a semicolon to join two independent clauses. It also uses precise vocabulary (blank, alert, visa interview) and an academic term (doctor).
- “She had not known that she would have to stand outside for so long; she had thought that she would be ushered into an air-conditioned waiting room.” (p. 2) This sentence uses complex sentences with subordinate clauses (that she would have to stand outside for so long; that she would be ushered into an air-conditioned waiting room). It also uses precise vocabulary (ushered, air-conditioned) and an academic term (waiting room).
Therefore, the American Embassy short story is formal diction, because it uses standard English, complex sentences, and precise vocabulary.
Hope this helps, and have a great day! =)