DICTIONAL MISTAKES IN STUDENTS DISCUSSION ACTIVITIES OF SMP 1 PARIAMAN

Abstract

This research is motivated by the lack of students' ability in the use of diction in terms of (1) accuracy of
diction, and (2) suitability of diction. Qualitative research with descriptive method is used as the basis of
research to achieve research objectives. The focus of this research is all the utterances spoken by students
in the Indonesian language learning process in which there are diction errors. Efforts to collect data
were carried out by recording all the utterances spoken by students in the Indonesian language learning
process. Followed by recording and describing the speech produced by the speaker. The data on the use
of diction were then analyzed based on the students' use of diction in discussions in terms of (1) the
accuracy of the diction and (2) the suitability of the diction spoken. The results of the study found
students' diction errors in terms of (1) accuracy of diction. Class VIII students of SMP Negeri 1 Pariaman
are less able to distinguish words that are almost synonymous, pay less attention to words that are
similar in spelling, use self-created words, pay less attention to the use of verbs that use prepositions, pay
less attention to the use of common words and prepositions specific, and pay less attention to the
continuity of word choice. (2) Diction suitability, VIII grade students of SMP Negeri 1 Pariaman use a lot
of substandard language or elements in formal or official situations, use inappropriate scientific words,
use slang words, use elements of conversational language in discussions, and use artificial language.