Dialectism Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🗣️

Add to dictionary

dialectism

[daɪˈælɛktɪzəm ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

informal language

A dialectism is a word, phrase, or pronunciation that is characteristic of a particular region or social group, and differs from the standard language used in that region.

Synonyms

colloquialism, localism, vernacular.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dialectism	Describes linguistic features that are characteristic of a particular regional or social dialect. In Scotland, the word 'wee' as in 'a wee bit' is a dialectism for 'small'.
localism	Used to highlight words, phrases, or behaviors that are specific to a particular locality or region. 'Poutine' is a localism in Canada referring to a dish made with fries, cheese curds, and gravy.
colloquialism	Refers to informal words, phrases, or expressions that are used in everyday conversation, rather than in formal speech or writing. 'Gonna' is a colloquialism for 'going to' and is commonly used in casual conversations.
vernacular	Denotes the everyday language spoken by a people as distinguished from the literary or official language. It can include colloquial and regional language but also general everyday speech. When writing his stories, Mark Twain often used the vernacular of the Southern United States.

Examples of usage

He used a lot of dialectisms in his speech, making it hard for outsiders to understand.
The local dialectisms can be confusing for visitors to the area.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Linguistics

Dialectism emphasizes regional variations in language which include unique words, phrases, and grammatical structures.
Different dialects can reflect the historical and cultural identity of their speakers, showing how language evolves over time.
Linguists study dialectism to understand how language reflects social factors such as class, ethnicity, and geography.

Pop Culture

Popular films and television shows often use dialectism to create more relatable and authentic characters who represent specific regions.
Musical genres like country and blues heavily feature dialectisms, drawing on local vernacular to convey emotion and community.
Social media has amplified dialectism, allowing users to share and celebrate regional speech, slang, and expressions.

Education

Dialectism is important in education, as recognizing a student’s home dialect can enhance communication and learning.
Teachers are increasingly trained to appreciate dialectal differences and adapt their teaching methods accordingly.
Fostering an appreciation for diverse dialects in classrooms can promote inclusivity and understanding among students.

Psychology

People's dialects can influence perceptions and biases, affecting how others view their intelligence or social status.
Psychological studies show that accents and dialects can impact job opportunities and social relationships, often unconsciously.
Dialectism can be a source of pride or stigma, influencing individuals' self-esteem and sense of belonging.

Origin of 'dialectism'

Main points about word origin

The term 'dialectism' comes from 'dialect', rooted in the Greek word 'dialektos' meaning 'discourse' or 'conversation'.
The suffix '-ism' implies a practice, system, or characteristic, so 'dialectism' relates to the practice of using dialects.
It first gained prominence in discussions about language variation and social identity during the 19th century.

The term 'dialectism' originated from the combination of 'dialect' and the suffix '-ism', which denotes a practice, system, or condition. It has been used to describe regional or social variations in language for centuries, highlighting the diverse linguistic landscape across different communities.