Dialect
Literary term · say it DYE-uh-lekt
Dialect is a form of a language associated with a particular region or social group, with its own words, grammar, and pronunciation. In literature, it can help readers recognize a character’s background and sense of belonging.
Two kinds of dialect
Regional dialect
Regional dialect is language associated with a particular place. It can include local words, grammatical patterns, and pronunciations.
When Lockwood first visits Wuthering Heights in Wuthering Heights, Joseph’s broad Yorkshire speech sets him apart from the visitor.
In Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
Social dialect
Social dialect is language associated with a social group or background. It often overlaps with regional dialect.
When Joe visits Pip in London in Great Expectations, his familiar speech patterns contrast with Pip’s new surroundings and reveal the growing distance between them.
In Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
How to spot dialect
- Look for unfamiliar local words or spellings.
- Notice grammar patterns that differ between characters.
- Connect these patterns with a speaker’s region or social background.
What is the difference between dialect and accent?
Accent concerns pronunciation, while dialect also includes vocabulary and grammar. Two people may pronounce words differently but use much the same grammar; speakers of different dialects may also use different words or sentence patterns.
Is dialect the same as slang?
Dialect is a broader language variety, while slang consists of informal words and expressions used within particular groups. A dialect has patterns of grammar and pronunciation as well as vocabulary, and it may include slang.
Related terms
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