Folk Speech Terms and Examples

Key Terms Dialect-traditional deviation from standard speech: including grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary. A dialect is understood by its “parent” language. Isogloss-is a geographic boundary used to identify dialectical boundaries. They can overlap.

Morphology-an aspect of grammar that involves the form of a word. Syntax-an aspect of grammar that involves the order of words in a grammatical structure. Examples: Non-standard verb use (snew, drowned) Expressions (“I could care less”) Word forms (“-ify” as in “She prettified”)

Syntactical Variation Often heard in the speech of nonnative speaker groups. Includes Word Order Variation as well as non-conventional pronunciation of words. Examples: “The off is on” and “Cairo, Illinois”

Dialectical Vocabulary Vocabulary varies between and within regions. The different forms of words or entirely different words used for the same purpose is dialectical vocabulary. Examples: Coke: sodapop, fountain drink, fizzy, pop, soda.

Specialized Vocabulary Sometimes referred as jargon or slang, specialized vocabulary refers to the word choice within specific informal “societies” or within folk groups. Examples: “86”, “pot” or “grass”, “three-peat”, “hackers”, “gigs”, “longhair” or “skinhead”

Folk Naming Is the practice of “nicknaming” almost anything around us. Examples: Hoosier, Tabby, Tom, John Doe, Vatican roulette, saddle blankets, and skid road.