Diction, or word choice, is a fundamental element of any text. For a proofreader, selecting the right diction is not merely about correcting technical errors but also about ensuring that the message of the text is conveyed clearly, naturally, and engagingly. In the context of proofreading, especially for texts in foreign languages and Indonesian, choosing the appropriate diction can present significant challenges.
This article explores how diction affects readability and discusses the challenges and strategies that can be employed to improve text quality.
What Is Diction and Why Is It Important in Proofreading?
Diction refers to the selection of words used in a text to convey specific meanings. In proofreading, it encompasses aspects such as:
- Clarity: Are the chosen words clear to the target audience?
- Accuracy: Are the words appropriate for the context?
- Style: Do the word choices reflect the tone and purpose of the text?
For instance, in academic documents, formal diction is essential, whereas in marketing texts, more casual and engaging word choices are often more effective. Using the wrong diction can render the text’s message vague, confusing, or even irrelevant.
Studies have shown that the readability of a text significantly impacts reading comprehension. For example, a study utilizing the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level formula found that different readability levels influenced students’ comprehension scores and reading times. This indicates that texts that are easier to read tend to produce better understanding.
Thus, diction forms the foundation for creating communicative and effective texts.
Challenges of Diction in Proofreading Foreign Language Texts
Proofreading foreign language texts presents its own complexities. Here are some of the common challenges faced:
1. Cultural Concepts in Foreign Languages
Each language carries unique cultural nuances. For example, in English, the phrase “It’s raining cats and dogs” is an idiom meaning heavy rain, but if translated literally into Indonesian, it doesn’t make sense.
As a proofreader, you need to understand the cultural context and find a relevant equivalent. In the case of this idiom, “Hujan deras seperti air bah” might be a more appropriate choice.
2. Choosing the Right Synonyms
Foreign languages often have many synonyms for a single concept, but not all are suitable for a particular context. For instance, the word “happy” in English can be translated as “senang,” “gembira,” or “bahagia” in Indonesian. The word choice depends on the emotional context of the text.
3. Different Grammar and Sentence Structures
Languages like Japanese or German have grammar structures that differ from Indonesian. For example, in Japanese, the subject is often omitted if the context is clear, whereas in Indonesian, the subject is usually explicit. This requires proofreaders to adjust the diction to ensure the text still feels natural.
Challenges of Diction in Proofreading Indonesian Texts
Proofreading Indonesian texts presents equally interesting challenges.
1. Diversity of Regional Languages
Indonesia has over 700 regional languages. While the text may be written in Indonesian, regional nuances often emerge in vocabulary and sentence structure. As a proofreader, you must ensure that the diction used adheres to standard Indonesian, without introducing regional terms that might confuse the reader.
2. Influence of Foreign Languages
In the digital era, many Indonesian texts are influenced by foreign languages, especially English. Words like “delivery,” “meeting,” or “deadline” are frequently used without their local equivalents. The challenge for proofreaders is deciding when to use these foreign terms and when to replace them with Indonesian terms like “pengiriman,” “rapat,” or “batas waktu.”
3. Levels of Formality
Indonesian has varying levels of formality depending on the context. For example, in formal texts, the word “tidak” is preferred over “nggak.” Conversely, in casual texts, informal words are more effective for establishing an emotional connection with the reader.
Proofreading Strategies to Improve Readability
Here are some strategies that can help you improve text readability through careful diction selection:
1. Know Your Audience
Understand who will be reading the text. For academic audiences, use formal and technical diction. For general readers, choose simple and direct words. It is important to adjust the tone and style according to the reader’s expectations. For instance, texts aimed at professionals may require the use of specific industry terms, while texts for children should use simple and easy-to-understand language.
By understanding your audience, you can create texts that feel relevant and relatable, making the message more effective. Also, consider factors such as age, educational background, and the reader’s needs when choosing diction.
2. Use a Language Corpus
A corpus is a collection of texts that can be used to study language usage patterns. For example, language corpora such as the online KBBI (Indonesian Dictionary) or the Ministry of Education and Culture’s Glossary can help ensure that your chosen diction aligns with language standards.
Additionally, a corpus provides insights into the frequency of word usage across various contexts, helping you avoid selecting rarely used or overly foreign-sounding words. For example, the word “efisien” (efficient) is more commonly used than “efikasi” in everyday contexts. By referring to a corpus, you can choose diction that is more natural and appropriate for the text’s context.
3. Read Aloud
Reading the text aloud helps you identify awkward or unnatural-sounding parts. If a sentence is difficult to read, chances are the reader will struggle with it as well. This method also helps you check the rhythm and flow of the text. Sentences that are too long or convoluted tend to be confusing when read aloud.
On the other hand, effective sentences flow smoothly and sound comfortable when spoken. This practice also ensures that the tone and style match the purpose of the text, whether formal, casual, or persuasive.
4. Use Digital Tools Wisely
Tools like Grammarly or LanguageTool can help identify grammatical errors and suggest diction improvements, but always use your intuition and knowledge as a proofreader for the final decision. These tools are useful for detecting common mistakes like incorrect spelling or ambiguous phrases, but they don’t always understand context or cultural nuances in the text.
For example, a digital tool might suggest technical synonyms for informal texts, which could reduce readability. Therefore, use digital tools as a supplement, not a substitute, for human expertise. Combine the tool’s results with critical analysis for the best outcome.
For instance, let’s look at a news article written in English and translated into Indonesian. The article uses many technical terms that are difficult for a general reader to understand.
In English:
“The company has initiated a strategic pivot to optimize operational efficiency.”
Literal translation into Indonesian:
“Perusahaan telah memulai pivot strategis untuk mengoptimalkan efisiensi operasional.”
As a proofreader, you might opt for a simpler, more natural version:
“Perusahaan mulai mengubah strategi untuk meningkatkan efisiensi operasional.”
In this case, the choice of diction such as “mengubah strategi” (changing strategy) is more suitable and easier for an Indonesian audience to understand.
Conclusion
Diction is one of the most important aspects of proofreading. Choosing the right words can significantly improve text readability, whether in a foreign language or in Indonesian. Challenges like cultural differences, foreign language influence, and formality levels can be overcome with the right strategies, such as understanding your audience, using language corpora, and leveraging technology.
As a proofreader, you are the guardian of text quality, ensuring that the message is communicated effectively. With attention to detail, sensitivity to context, and a deep understanding of language, you can transform an ordinary text into a communicative and inspiring work.
References:
https://edulearn.intelektual.org/index.php/EduLearn/article/view/21724
https://precisecreative.marketing/proofreading-and-editing-what-you-need-to-know-now/
