English%20Language%20Learning

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The Issue of Dialect
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What is the difference between a dialect and a
language?
Dialects are variations of the same spoken
language.
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Speakers of two dialects can understand one
another.
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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

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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

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Three Major U.S. Regional Dialects
Northern Midland Southern
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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
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North vs. South
Examples of Pronunciation
Northern Dialect Southern Dialect
pecan (pe kän) pecan (pe kan)
pen pin
cement (s? ment) cement (se ment)
on (?n) on (on)
business (biz n?s) business (bid n?s)
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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.

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Social Dialects
Examples of AAVE Pronunciation
Feature Example
Dropped l help hep
Dropped r your yo
th ch with wich
th d the d?
sk ks ask aks
st sk street skreet
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To sum up, remember that dialects are variations
of the same spoken language.
Languages English Spanish
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To sum up, remember that dialects are variations
of the same spoken language.
Languages English
Spanish Southern Midland Northern
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There are two distinct levels.

Languages English
Spanish Southern Midland Northern
Language Level Dialect Level
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This is true whether we are describing regional
or social dialects.

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

Languages English
Spanish Power Code AAVE
Language Level Dialect Level
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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

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Dialect and Literature

• In groups of three, find five passages of 10-20
  lines that include dialect.
• Prepare a reading of your passages and present
  them to class.

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