Dialect: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe a form of a language that is specific to a particular region or group. It is often spoken in daily life as opposed to formal writing.

• She spoke in a southern dialect that was hard for others to understand
• The novel was written in a Scottish dialect

Denotes the language or dialect spoken by the ordinary people in a particular country or region. It is often used in contrast to a formal or literary language.

• The poem is written in the vernacular of the local people
• During the lecture, he switched to the vernacular to make the complex subject more understandable

Refers to specialized language used by a specific group, often in professions or trades. It can be confusing to outsiders.

• Medical jargon can be difficult for patients to understand
• The technical support team used computer jargon that I couldn't follow

Describes a regional language that is typically nonstandard and used informally. It can sometimes carry a negative connotation of being unsophisticated.

• The villagers spoke in a patois that was different from standard French
• He loves the rich patois of his hometown in Jamaica

Used when referring to a specific form of a language that is spoken in a particular area or by a particular group of people. It usually includes specific vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.

• She speaks a dialect of Italian that is unfamiliar to many people outside her region.
• The book was written in a regional dialect, making it a bit challenging to understand.

Used to describe the manner of pronunciation of words. It often indicates the geographical or social background of the speaker.

• I love his British accent; it's very charming.
• You can tell she's from the South by her accent.

A broader term that can refer to any distinct form or version of a language. This can include dialects, sociolects, and registers, among others.

• There are many varieties of English spoken around the world, including American, British, and Australian English.
• Learning different varieties of a language can help in understanding diverse cultures.

This word refers to a word or expression that is typical of a particular area or community. It often highlights local culture or traditions.

• The use of 'y'all' is a localism common in the Southern United States.
• He used several localisms that made his speech feel very authentic to the region.

Used to refer to a particular form of a language that is specific to a region or group.

• The local dialect in this region is quite different from the one spoken in the capital

Similar to 'social dialect,' this term emphasizes the specific language features that define a particular social group's manner of speaking.

• The sociolect of urban youth often includes new words and phrases that are not yet widely recognized

Used to distinguish the language used by different social or economic classes.

• In Victorian England, the class language of the aristocracy was very different from that of the working class

Refers to variations in language used by people from different social groups or classes.

• Teenagers often have their own social dialect that includes slang and expressions adults may not understand