Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Dialect Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ
Add to dictionary

dialect

[หˆdaษชษ™หŒlekt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

linguistics

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

Synonyms

jargon, patois, vernacular.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
dialect

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
vernacular

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
jargon

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
patois

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

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.
Context #2 | Noun

linguistics

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

Synonyms

accent, localism, variety.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
dialect

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.
accent

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.
variety

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.
localism

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.

Examples of usage

  • The Scottish dialect is distinct from the English dialect.
  • The dialect spoken by the Amish community is different from standard English.
Context #3 | Noun

sociology

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

Synonyms

class language, social dialect, sociolect.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
dialect

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
sociolect

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
class language

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
social dialect

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

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

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Dialects can reflect local culture and identity, helping to strengthen community bonds.
  • Some dialects can differentiate social classes, revealing how language plays a role in social dynamics.

Linguistics

  • Dialects can differ in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, making them unique even within the same language.
  • There are significantly distinct kinds of dialects known as sociolects, which are shaped by social factors like class and profession.

Literature

  • Many authors use dialect in their works to convey authenticity and develop characters, such as Mark Twain in 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.'
  • Dialect can add depth to storytelling by bringing regional flavor and unique voices to the narrative.

Technology

  • With the rise of social media, dialects can evolve more quickly as people share and adapt language in new ways.
  • Speech recognition technology is being developed to understand different dialects, reflecting the importance of inclusivity in communication.

Origin of 'dialect'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Greek word 'dialektos,' meaning 'discourse' or 'conversation.'
  • It evolved in the Middle Ages to refer to various forms of speech across different regions.

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.

See also: dialer.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,469 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.