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 DialectSouthern Dialect pailbucket press (the button)mash (the button) spatulaegg turner teeter-totterseesaw might be ablemight could popsoda Examples of Vocabulary

North vs. South Northern DialectSouthern Dialect pecan (pē kän´)pecan (pē´ kan) penpin 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 FeatureExample Dropped lhelp = hĕp Dropped ryour = yō th = chwith = wĭch th = dthe = də sk = ksask = aks st = skstreet = 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 Language Level Dialect Level {{{{

This is true whether we are describing regional or social dialects. Languages English Spanish “Power Code”AAVE Language Level Dialect Level {{{{

Speakers of all dialects must learn to read the same written language. Languages English Spanish “Power Code”AAVE Language Level Dialect Level {{{{

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 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.