dialect
DY-uh-lekt
/ˈdaɪəlɛkt/
A particular form of a language that is peculiar to a specific region or social group.
Unlike an accent, which only refers to pronunciation, a dialect involves unique grammar, vocabulary, and syntax.
The story behind the word. The word comes from the Greek 'dialektos,' meaning 'discourse' or 'way of speaking.' It originally referred to the different ways Greek was spoken across various city-states, like Doric or Attic.
Word relationships
- vernacular: Vernacular is more about the everyday language of ordinary people, while dialect is a technical classification of a language variety.
- patois: Patois often carries a connotation of being unwritten or 'non-standard' compared to a dialect.
- standard language: The officially recognized version of a language used in education and government.
Commonly confused with
- accent: An accent is just about sound; a dialect includes different words and grammar rules.
Word family
- dialectal (adjective): Relating to a dialect.
Collocations
- regional dialect
- local dialect
- speak a dialect
Example sentences
- "The Geordie dialect of Newcastle includes many words that are completely unfamiliar to people from London." Describing regional differences in the UK.
- "The dialect of the people of the South is very different from that of the North." A classic literary observation.
Memory hook
Think of a 'DIAL' on a radio; as you turn it, you hear different 'DIALects' from different regions. Dial the region to hear the dialect.
When not to use
Do not use 'dialect' when you only mean the way someone sounds (that is an accent).
Fun facts
- In Italy, many 'dialects' are actually distinct languages that are not mutually intelligible with standard Italian.
Related words
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