Final answer:
Diction in 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' illustrates the representation of social relationships and culture. It reflects the characters' empowerment from within and the cultural dynamics of African American communities. The use of language in African American literature also serves as a means of revealing social realities and exploring cultural identity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Diction in Zora Neale Hurston's 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' demonstrates the representation of social relationships and culture. Unlike the political and racial themes of other contemporary writers, Hurston celebrated racial pride and African-American culture without political filters. In her narrative, characters derive power from self-discovery and their internal strength. For example, Janie Crawford's evolution from a girl dependent on men to a self-actualized woman who asserts her individuality and sexuality reflects the empowerment of African American women in society. Diction in Hurston's novel allows for a vivid portrayal of the lives and spoken language of African American characters, further highlighting the cultural and social relationships within the community.
The concept of the 'veil' described by W.E.B. Du Bois is another aspect of how diction can represent the social construct affecting African Americans. The veil symbolizes the separation between the worlds of Black and White individuals, and through language, writers like Du Bois and Hurston give voice to the experiences of those living under the weight of this social division. By doing so, literary diction becomes a tool for shedding light on social realities and the cultural identity of a community.
Furthermore, African American storytelling traditions, such as the trickster trope, utilize diction in a way that lets characters display knowledge or intellect to defy convention. This offers insight into the intelligence and wit within this cultural group and underscores the use of language as a means of resistance and autonomy.