Dialect: meaning, definitions and examples

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dialect

[ ˈdaɪəˌlekt ]

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linguistics

A particular form of a language that is peculiar to a specific region or social group.

Synonyms

jargon, patois, vernacular

Examples of usage

The southern dialect of the country is quite different from the northern one.
She could tell from his accent which dialect he spoke.

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linguistics

A form of a language spoken in a particular geographical area or by a particular group of people.

Synonyms

accent, localism, variety

Examples of usage

The Scottish dialect is distinct from the English dialect.
The dialect spoken by the Amish community is different from standard English.

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sociology

A particular form of a language that is associated with a specific social class or group.

Synonyms

class language, social dialect, sociolect

Examples of usage

The upper-class dialect often includes vocabulary and expressions not used by the lower classes.
She was able to switch between dialects depending on the social setting.

Translations

Translations of the word "dialect" in other languages:

🇵🇹 dialeto

🇮🇳 बोली

🇩🇪 Dialekt

🇮🇩 dialek

🇺🇦 діалект

🇵🇱 dialekt

🇯🇵 方言 (ほうげん)

🇫🇷 dialecte

🇪🇸 dialecto

🇹🇷 diyalekt

🇰🇷 방언 (방언)

🇸🇦 لهجة

🇨🇿 dialekt

🇸🇰 dialekt

🇨🇳 方言 (fāngyán)

🇸🇮 narečje

🇮🇸 mállýska

🇰🇿 диалект

🇬🇪 დიალექტი

🇦🇿 dialekt

🇲🇽 dialecto

Word origin

The word 'dialect' comes from the Greek word 'dialektos', meaning 'discourse' or 'way of speaking'. Throughout history, dialects have played a crucial role in shaping cultural identities and preserving linguistic diversity. From regional dialects to sociolects, dialects reflect the rich tapestry of human communication.