DIALECTS

Dialects- A variety of language that is characteristic of a

particular area, community or group, often with relatively
minor differences in vocabulary, style, and spelling.
- a branch are usually formed around particular regions.
However, they may also be used within certain groups
of people.
Examples:
- Foods are the most common terms to change within a dialect.
What one dialect might call shrimp; another might call crawfish or
crawdads.

- I did it my self. I done it my self.

- I haven’t told anybody anything. I ain’t told any body anything.
Types of Dialects
Standard Dialect- refers to the actual variety of language and idealized
norm of English acceptable in many social situations.
-Typically used by political leaders, upper classes, in the media; taught in the
schools.
`correct`, `proper`, `better`

Non-Standard Dialects- or vernacular dialect is a dialect or

language variety that has not historically benefited from the
institutional support or sanction that a standard dialect has.
-any dialect not perceived as ‘standard’

`substandard`, `incorrect`, `improper`

Standard Dialects
They ain’t got nothing.
I love the player who scored.
We were there yesterday.
I played well.
Pass me those books!
Non- Standard Dialects
They haven’t got anything.
I love the player what scored.
We was there yesterday.
I played good.
Pass me them books!

 Regional Dialect- also known as a regiolect or topolect, is a distinct form of a

language spoken in a particular geographical area. If the child is a distinct
regional dialect, that dialect is said to be the child vernacular.
Example:

Waray-waray Cebuano Visaya Ilokano

Bikolano Kapampangan

 
Sociolects
Sociolect- a variety of language associated with social
group such as a socioeconomic class, an ethnic group, an
age group, etc.
- involves both passive acquisition of particular
communicative practices through association with a local
community, as well as active learning and choice among
speech or writing forms to demonstrate identification
with particular groups.
Registers
Registers- often refers to the degree of formality of language, but in a
more general sense it means the language used by a group of people
who share similar work interests, such as doctors or lawyers.
Examples:
For formal “would you mind passing the salt?” is appropriate
with strangers,
For Informal “Pass me the salt” would be used for a situation
where friends are talking, or possibly when being rude.
Although register is a complex area, the most common aspect looked
at in language learning is the degreee of formality. Teachers often
divide functional language into three working categories, formal,
neutral and informal.
Types of Register

Familiar- this register is normally used between people who know each other
well. Features of this register show lack of grammar, spelling, and punctuation
and usually contains slang and jargons.

For Example:
Hey,
Will arrive evening. Did not catch bus.
Later
John

Informal- is meant for a broad audience; purpose is usually to express a

personal idea.

Example:
-Letters to friends
-Small group discussion with classmates
Conversation with people you know well.
 
Formal- is more appropriate for professional writing and letters to a boss or a
strangers.
 Example:
-written reports
-speech/presentation
-Job interview
-conversation with people you hope to impress.
Ceremonial- Modern academic writing rarely uses this register.
-Encountered when reading transcripts of speeches or historical
documents.
Example:
I stand in this rostrum with sense of deep humility and great pride-
humility in the wake of those great architects of our history who have stood
here before me, pride in the reflection that this home of legislative debate
represents human liberty in purest from yet devised.
Jargons
Jargons- Is a term for specialized or technical language that
is only understood by those who are members of a group
or who perform a specific trade.
Example:
-I need a script in order to pick up the medicine.
(Medical jargon for “prescription”)
-I need a nurse to room 12 Stat. (medical jargon for “in
a hurry”)
-the suspect is headed west on route 10. All available
units respond. (Police jargon