Useful and fun to write, the use of dialect in your writing can add a level of depth and character to a narrative. A specific way of speaking, dialect can be used to create a connection between reader and character, establish a character’s background, assist with setting, and help establish tone and atmosphere. While an incredibly useful tool for writers, the use of dialect can also be controversial. Why? Continue reading to learn more.
What is Dialect?
Dialect is a specific way of speaking that is usually identified by region. Often mistaken as individual languages, dialects are actually a subset of the primary language.
Dialect helps a reader to determine a character’s background, age, and socioeconomic status. It is used to bring a character to life and establish setting, tone, and atmosphere. Dialect can be used to add humor but is more closely associated with the establishment of a character or group of people’s background and cultural identity.
For a more in-depth explanation of dialect, check out this short video.
How to pronounce Dialect?
When do writers use Dialect?
Writers use dialect to show readers where a character is from and provide additional information about a character. As a component of diction, dialect involves syntax and is determined by how the writer uses and spells words. The use of dialect helps a writer bring a character to life and aids them in creating a connection between the reader and character. Correct use of dialect can also help establish a story’s setting, tone, and atmosphere.
How to use Dialect?
Before diving in and getting carried away, be mindful that what and how you write may not be perceived the way you intend.
When using dialect in your writing, using it in your writing can be quite controversial. Remember that while you are trying to bring a story or character to life, or maybe even educate, words are more powerful than ever. In today’s politically charged atmosphere, everything is examined under a microscope and the slightest thing can become political. So, while you may not intend for your choice of dialect or writing to be offensive, be mindful that the use of dialect can:
- Distract from your story.
- Feel inauthentic.
- Can be offensive.
With that being said, it doesn’t mean that you should never use dialects in your writing or that you should shy away from them. If used properly and mindfully, the use of dialect in your writing can:
- Make the story and characters feel authentic.
- Help establish setting.
- Create an emotional response or a connection between the reader and character.
- Enliven a scene.
If you choose to use a dialect in your story, before you start writing, remember to:
- Be culturally sensitive.
- Listen to real people speak.
- Make sure your choice of dialect is accurate and appropriate for the setting and characters.
- And be consistent.
The 3 Types of Dialect
Dialects are varieties of a language that are specific to a particular region or group of people. Distinguished by their pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary, there are three types of dialect.
Regional dialects are spoken by people living in a specific region of a country or continent. Regional dialects are influenced by the environment, technology, and contact with speakers of other languages. Examples: Louisiana French, commonly referred to as Cajun or Cajun French
Standard dialects are the most correct and professional version of the language. Rarely adhered to, most people only use the standard version of their language when in professional settings. Example: Standard American English.
The Sociolect dialect is associated with a specific social group. Groups of people who share a sociolect dialect also share common factors such as age, race, class, gender. African American Vernacular English is considered to be an ethnic dialect, which is a subcategory of sociolect dialects. Sociolect dialects are also common among younger generations. For example, someone from a younger generation might say “What’s up” instead of “Hi” or “Hello.”
Dialect in Literature and in Poetry 📚
The use of dialect is very common in literature. Some of the most notable works of our time use specific dialects to draw the reader in and build a connection with them. Skilled writers research their chosen dialect beforehand to ensure accuracy and impact on the reader. Some of the most memorable works include:
To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee – In this passage, Jem talks about Scout’s reading level and Dill’s age.
“Shoot no wonder, then,” said Jem, jerking his thumb at me. “Scout yonder’s been readin‘ ever since she was born, and she ain’t even started to school yet. You look right puny for goin’ on seven.”
Along the same lines as above, Mark Twain used dialect to illustrate the age and background of his young characters in Huckleberry Finn –
Jim: We’s safe, Huck, we’s safe! Jump up and crack yo’ heels. Dat’s de good ole Cairo atlas’, I jis knows it.
Huck: I’ll take the canoe and go see, Jim. It mightn’t be, you know.
In much the same way as Lee and Twain, Irvine Welsh used dialect so that readers could distinguish between his Welsh and Scottish characters in Trainspotting. While a little difficult to decipher, the following passage illustrates a Scottish dialect.
“Suppose that ah ken aw the pros and cons, know that ah’m gaunnae huv a short life, am ah sound mind, etcetera, etcetera, but still want tae use smack? They won’t let y dae it. They won’t let ye dae it, because it’s seen as a sign ay thir ain failure. The fact that ye jist simply choose tae reject whut they huv tae offer.”
And in Poetry . . . ✍🏽
While a little less common in poetry, some writers do incorporate dialect into their verse. One such writer is D. H. Lawrence.
From “Poor Bit of a Wench”:
“Will no one say hush! to thee,
poor lass, poor bit of a wench?
Will never a man say: Come, my pigeon,
come an’ be still wi’ me, my own bit of a wench!”
And “Gipsy”:
“I, the man with the red scarf,
Will give thee what I have, this last week’s earnings.
Take them and buy thee a silver ring
And wed me, to ease my yearnings.
For the rest when thou art wedded
I’ll wet my brow for thee
With sweat, I’ll enter a house for thy sake,
Thou shalt shut doors on me.”
Often Confused With . . . 👥
It’s very common for the terms, dialect and language to be mistaken for each other. To confuse matters more, there is also a lot of confusion about what the difference between dialect and accent is. While it seems to be a common misconception that these terms in various combinations are interchangeable with each other, this isn’t true. Hopefully, these definitions can help clarify the differences.
Accent – The way in which people in a specific country or area pronounce words. Different from dialect or language because accents pertain to how language sounds in a particular area. Examples: The slow, Southern drawl common in the American south and the Boston accent.
Language – A structured system of communication consisting of grammar and vocabulary, i.e., proper English or Standard American English. A dialect of Standard American English is Cajun.