Words / C1

DEYE-uh-lekt/ˈdaɪəlekt/

A dialect is a form of a language spoken in a particular area, with its own words, grammar, and sounds: a northern dialect, regional dialect. Accent is only pronunciation; slang is informal vocabulary, often urban or group-based; language is the whole system. Dialectal is the adjective. In speech, the way people speak there / regional English is often enough. A dialect is not “bad English.” Do not call a different language a dialect to belittle it.

Meaning

A form of a language spoken in a particular area, with its own words and sounds.

Examples

• “She speaks a northern dialect of English.”
• “She speaks a northern dialect at home and a more standard register in tutorials.”
• “The play kept the dialect in the dialogue; the stage directions stayed in standard spelling.”

Good to know

A regional form of a language (words + grammar + sounds). Contrast: accent (pronunciation only), slang, a separate language. Not “incorrect English”.

Near in meaning

variety

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