Diary Flashcards
Summary
Arguably the most personal text type as the intended reader is usually… the writer him or herself.
Almost since the advent of the written word, diaries have been kept by individuals to record daily events, reflect on personal experiences and try to make sense of the complex issues of society.
A freeform text type, they tend to be more stylistic than formal, with each writer employing their own particular uses of language which reflects the way they see the world.
KEY FEATURES OF DIARIES
Viewpoint
Perspective
Structure
Day, date and time
Register and tone
Colloquialism
Viewpoint
As one of the most personal text types, diaries are written in thefirst personand always express thoughts and feelings.
Perspective
diaries are written to be private as the reader and writer are the same person.Confessionalis a particular form of diary writing that reveals a secret.
Structure
diaries function as records of the day’s events and are largelychronological. Look out forflashbackswhen the writer begins at the end, then goes back to explore how and why an event happened.
Register and tone
most diaries are written in aninformalorsemi-formalregister, using language the writer feels comfortable with. Look out for language which reveals the attitude of the writer (tone): it is not uncommon for diaries to be thoughtful and reflective, scathing and caustic… or anything in between.
Colloquialism
the writer might write as if he or she is talking and may usefigures of speechin an original or entertaining way.
Why
To record events or thoughts day by
day.
Two distinct purposes—one as a
planning record of appointments and
the other as a reflective and personal
record.
For reflective reading or planning or
scheduling.
What
A book marked and arranged in calendar order in which to note appointments or keep a personal record of thoughts and activities.
Arranged sequentially, day by day, and sometimes by shorter periods.
Personal—often notes rather than complete sentences.
Personal—emotive and descriptive language common.
Personal—inner thoughts revealed.
Appointments—usually only name and brief description of content.
Abbreviations common.
Personal diaries often for author’s use only.
Appointments diary may be kept on behalf of someone else.
Conventional punctuation and spelling often not important in personal diaries.
