Word Choice

Do you feel you need to "dumb down" your writing? I've recently joined a writer's group and their criticisms involve words they don't understand, turns of phrase that they've never heard before, or a lack of understanding about geography or ethnic groups. How much detail do you have to give without seeming pendantic? Personally, if I come across something I don't understand while reading, I look it up. I know I write in a more elevated style and not on a third grade level, but is it too much to expect adults to have a basic understanding of the meaning of words? Feeling frustrated.

Depends on the intended audience (and on the writers' group's focus.)

Are any of these within quotes? Like how a character speaks? Any time I get suggestions to fix character speech, I ignore it. Can't change the speech pattern and not expect a change of character.

If I'm writing say a young adult or children's book, any word an adult can't understand won't be a good idea for that age group.

Whereas if I'm writing in a specific adult genre, nope. No dumbing down.

If the reader isn't picking up the meaning of the word from context, I might check the entire sentence to see if I could how to better phrase the whole sentence, not just one word. Turns of phrase or obvious details that can be found on Wikipedia or some other online source, not worth worrying over. Leave them.

Sometimes I use bigger words in my writing, but as a general rule I never use big words when a simpler word (easily understandable word) will serve. Like gilroy said, it kind of depends on your intended audience, but the author should try to be invisible. You don't want the reader to focus on the author. Let the story be the focus. Anything that breaks the readers concentration on the story you are trying to tell should be avoided.

Having said that, don't let a critique group alter your writing voice. Be you. If you feel your writing is "You", don't change.

I agree with GaryBabb - you have to write your way. There are so many different readers and you are never going to appeal to everyone.