Dialect

Quick meaning: Dialect is a noun meaning (derogatory) Language that is perceived as substandard or wrong.

Meaning

(derogatory) Language that is perceived as substandard or wrong.

More Meanings

1. (computing, programming) A variant of a non-standardized programming language.
2. (ornithology) A variant form of the vocalizations of a bird species restricted to a certain area or population.
3. (colloquial, offensive) A language existing only in an oral or non-standardized form, especially a language spoken in a developing country or an isolated region.
4. (linguistics, strict sense) A lect (often a regional or minority language) as part of a group or family of languages, especially if they are viewed as a single language, or if contrasted with a standardized idiom that is considered the 'true' form of the language (for example, Bavarian as contrasted with Standard German).
5. (linguistics, broad sense) A variety of a language that is characteristic of a particular area, community, or social group, differing from other varieties of the same language in relatively minor ways as regards grammar, phonology, and lexicon.

Example Sentences

Comparative wordlists of two dialects of Yoruba with Igala.

Many even deny it and say something like this: "No, we don't speak a dialect around here.

Well, those children don't speak dialect, not in this school. Maybe in the public schools, but not here.

[…] on the second day, Miss Anderson gave the school a lecture on why it was wrong to speak dialect. She had ended by saying "Respectable people don't speak dialect."

Word Forms

• dialects

Synonyms for dialect

Depending on context, synonyms include patois, vernacular, accent, idiom.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include accent, idiom, language, lingo, speech, jargon.

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