The Issue of Dialect

Warm Up What does Hurston’s use of dialect add to her writing? Explain. Writing point: Would the story Hurston is writing about be different if she had chosen to write in a different dialect?

What is the difference between a dialect and a language? Dialects are variations of the same spoken language. Dialects are found in all languages and are a natural outcome of people grouping together.

Speakers of two dialects can understand one another. Of course, when the differences are extreme, communication may suffer.

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 Syntax is usually the least important these three factors. It includes issues like verb conjugation and word order.

Two Types of Dialects Regional Dialects Social 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 Some linguists argue that regional dialects are somewhat resistant to change because they are acquired so early in life.

Three Major U.S. Regional Dialects Northern Midland Southern When we reach the Mississippi, regional dialects begin to disappear. This is because the West was so sparsely populated for so long a time.

North vs. South Examples of Vocabulary 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 There are countless examples, of course. Can you think of others?

North vs. South Examples of Pronunciation 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) There are also pronunciation differences among various Northern and Southern dialects.

Test Yourself! Which of the regional dialects, by an executive agreement reached in New York City, became the gold standard of broadcast journalism during the advent of television in the late 1940s?  Northern  Midland  Southern Believe it or not, this meeting really took place!

Test Yourself! Which of the regional dialects, by an executive agreement reached in New York City, became the gold standard of broadcast journalism during the advent of television in the late 1940s?  Northern  Midland  Southern Does this ring true when you think about news anchors today? Keith Jackson, a national sportscaster, often tells about his efforts to “lose” his Southern accent in order to succeed.

Regional Dialects Regional dialects encompass the entire English-speaking world. Dialects spoken in the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, for example, are in the same category as U.S. regional dialects. The U.S. isn’t alone.

Social Dialects The most important social dialect in America is called African-American Vernacular English (AAVE). AAVE is also called “Black English” and “Ebonics.” AAVE differs from Midland English mostly in matters of pronunciation.

Does AAVE stand in the way of learning to read?

Does AAVE stand in the way of learning to read? There is no credible research on this point, but dialecticians argue that AAVE is not a problem. The same argument is made about regional dialects. They don’t seem to present an important barrier to learning to read.

But don’t kids need to know Standard English?

But don’t kids need to know Standard English? Dialecticians point out that no one actually speaks Standard English. As hard as it is to accept, everyone speaks a dialect of English. It is actually incorrect to say that a person speaks without an accent. If you think that, it’s only because the person shares the same dialect with you!

In fact, they dislike the term Standard English In fact, they dislike the term Standard English. What we all must learn to read is called “Edited American English.”

Which no one speaks – except Mr. Almond.

Lisa Delpit has called the prestige Midland dialect the “Power Code,” arguing that its use is a prerequisite to economic success in America. Do you agree with Delpit’s conclusion? It’s more a political statement than a linguistic one. But it gets at human nature. The way one speaks causes others to form quick judgments, fairly or unfairly.

But shouldn’t we insist on correct pronunciations when children read? Many teachers believe in making such corrections. Do you?

But shouldn’t we insist on correct pronunciations when children read? As a rule, no. Dialects generally don’t interfere with comprehension and correcting pronunciation can negatively effect comprehension.

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

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

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

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