The Issue of Dialect

The Issue of Dialect

What is the difference between a dialect and a language?

Dialects are variations of the same spoken language.

Speakers of two dialects can understand one another.

Three Features of Dialect

1. Pronunciation Same written word pronounced differently

2. Syntax Rules of grammar may differ slightly

3. Vocabulary Same concept represented by different words

Two Types of Dialects

Regional Dialects Associated with a geographic area Slowly fading due to media and mobility

Social Dialects Associated with a social/ethnic group Not spoken by all members of the group Many speakers can shift styles

Three Major U.S. Regional Dialects

Northern

Midland

Southern

North vs. South

Northern Dialect Southern Dialect

pail bucket

press (the button) mash (the button)

spatula egg turner

teeter-totter seesaw

might be able might could

pop soda

Examples of Vocabulary

North vs. South

Northern Dialect Southern Dialect

pecan (pē kän´) pecan (pē´ kan)

pen pin

cement (sə mĕnt´) cement (sē´ mĕnt)

on (n) on (ōn)

business (bĭz´ nəs) business (bĭd´ nəs)

Examples of Pronunciation

Social Dialects

The most important social dialect in America is called

African-American Vernacular English (AAVE). AAVE is also called “Black English” and “Ebonics.” Syntax is an important feature as it relates to the

verb to be. In AAVE, the verb to be is not always

conjugated (e.g., “He be sick.”) AAVE differs from Midland English mostly in matters

of pronunciation.

Social Dialects

Feature Example

Dropped l help = hĕp

Dropped r your = yō

th = ch with = wĭch

th = d the = də

sk = ks ask = aks

st = sk street = skreet

Examples of AAVE Pronunciation

To sum up, remember that dialects are variations of the same spoken language.

Languages

English Spanish

To sum up, remember that dialects are variations of the same spoken language.

Languages

English Spanish

Southern Midland Northern

There are two distinct levels.

Languages

English Spanish

Southern Midland Northern

LanguageLevel

DialectLevel

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This is true whether we are describing regional or social dialects.

Languages

English Spanish

“Power Code” AAVE

LanguageLevel

DialectLevel

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Speakers of all dialects must learn to read the same written language.

Languages

English Spanish

“Power Code” AAVE

LanguageLevel

DialectLevel

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Dialect and Literature

• The use of dialect makes characters appear realistic

• Sometimes difficult to read because it represents sounds instead of formal speech

• A good way to understand dialect is to read it out loud

Dialect and Literature

• In groups of three, find five passages of 10-20 lines that include dialect.

• Prepare a reading of your passages and present them to class.

To sum up, remember that dialects are variations of the same spoken language.