Vernacular

Introduction

Vernacular refers to the everyday language spoken by ordinary people in a particular region or country, including slang, colloquialisms, and idioms. In literature, writers use vernacular to add authenticity to their characters and setting, making their stories more relatable and vivid. By incorporating the natural speech patterns of a specific area or group, authors can enhance the realism of their narratives, providing readers with a deeper connection to the text’s cultural or social context. Vernacular can vary greatly from the standard language or official form, reflecting the unique voices and experiences of the characters.

How to pronounce Vernacular:
/vərˈnakjələr/

When do writers use Vernacular literary device?

Writers often use vernacular to ground their stories in a specific location or community, creating a sense of place and authenticity. This literary device is particularly effective in dialogue and first-person narratives, where the unique voice of a character can significantly influence the reader’s perception and emotional engagement. It’s used to express local color, adding depth and personality to the narrative by reflecting the linguistic traits of the region or group depicted. Additionally, vernacular helps in character development, allowing readers to infer socio-economic status, background, and personality based solely on a character’s speech patterns.

How should I use Vernacular literary device?

To effectively use vernacular in your writing, consider the following guidelines:

1. Know Your Setting and Characters: Ensure that the vernacular you choose accurately reflects the geographical or social setting of your story. Research the specific language traits of the area or community you are depicting.
2. Use Sparingly: While vernacular can add authenticity, overuse can make your text difficult to read. Use it judiciously to ensure that your writing remains accessible and engaging.
3. Maintain Consistency: Once you introduce vernacular, maintain consistency in its usage. Characters should use similar speech patterns throughout the story to maintain believability.
4. Balance with Readability: Make sure that the use of vernacular does not hinder the reader’s understanding. It should enhance the narrative without becoming a barrier to comprehension.
5. Respect Cultural Sensitivity: When using vernacular associated with a particular group or culture, handle it with sensitivity and accuracy. Avoid stereotypes and ensure your portrayal is respectful and well-informed.

Using vernacular thoughtfully can significantly enhance the depth and authenticity of your narrative, creating a more immersive and compelling story.

Types of Vernacular

Vernacular can be categorized into several types, each serving a unique purpose in literature:

1. Regional Vernacular: This involves the use of dialects specific to a particular geographic area. It captures the essence of the locale and makes characters and settings more realistic.
2. Sociolects: These are forms of vernacular that reflect a particular social class or group. Sociolects can reveal a lot about a character’s social status, background, and community ties.
3. Idiolects: This type of vernacular is unique to an individual character. It includes personal speech patterns and can be used to highlight a character’s personality, history, and other personal traits.
4. Slang: Often used among younger characters or within informal settings, slang helps convey contemporaneity and relatability.
5. Jargon: Specific to a profession, hobby, or other specialized fields, jargon can add a layer of authenticity when characters from certain backgrounds are speaking or interacting.

Each type of vernacular enriches the narrative by adding depth and realism, allowing readers to immerse themselves more fully in the literary world.

Vernacular in Literature

Vernacular has been a powerful tool in literature, used by many renowned authors to bring their characters and settings to life. Some famous examples include:

1. “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain: Twain uses the regional dialects of the American South to give voice to his characters, particularly the eponymous Huck Finn.
2. “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston: Hurston employs the Southern Black dialect to narrate her story, providing an authentic voice to her characters, especially Janie Crawford.
3. “Trainspotting” by Irvine Welsh: This novel is notable for its use of Scottish dialect, which lends a gritty realism to the narrative and characters.
4. “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger: Salinger uses the idiosyncratic, colloquial voice of Holden Caulfield to express the character’s alienation and youthful angst.

These works demonstrate how vernacular can be used to reflect the societal, geographical, and individual characteristics of the characters.

Vernacular in Children’s Books

Vernacular is also prevalent in children’s literature, where it adds humor, charm, and relatability. Famous examples include:

1. “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White: The characters, including Wilbur the pig and Charlotte the spider, speak in a way that reflects their farmyard setting.
2. “The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!” by Jon Scieszka: This book features a retelling of the classic tale from the wolf’s perspective, using a conversational style that appeals to children.
3. “Junie B. Jones” series by Barbara Park: Junie’s use of playful and often incorrect grammar mirrors the speech patterns of a kindergartener, making it relatable to young readers.

These books use vernacular to connect with young audiences, making the stories more engaging and enjoyable.

Vernacular in Poetry

Vernacular poetry often captures the essence of the poet’s cultural or regional background, adding authenticity and depth. Notable examples include:

1. “The Canterbury Tales” by Geoffrey Chaucer: Chaucer uses Middle English vernacular, which was the common language of his time, differing significantly from the French and Latin used in formal and academic contexts.
2. “Leaves of Grass” by Walt Whitman: Whitman’s use of American vernacular in his poetry celebrates the common people and their everyday speech.
3. “Blood on the Forge” by William Attaway: This narrative uses vernacular to reflect the speech of African American migrants from the South to the industrial North in the early 20th century.

These poets leverage vernacular to enhance the lyrical quality of their works while grounding them in a specific linguistic and cultural context.

Vernacular in Songs

Vernacular has been used effectively in music to create relatability and authenticity. Here are ten famous examples:

1. “No Woman, No Cry” by Bob Marley – Uses Jamaican Patois to convey his message, connecting deeply with his roots.
2. “Lose Yourself” by Eminem – Features urban vernacular that reflects Eminem’s Detroit background.
3. “The Times They Are A-Changin’” by Bob Dylan – Uses colloquial language to speak to the social changes of the 1960s.
4. “Jolene” by Dolly Parton – Incorporates Southern vernacular, fitting the song’s rural Tennessee setting.
5. “Alright” by Kendrick Lamar – Utilizes African American Vernacular English (AAVE) to deliver powerful social commentary.
6. “Parklife” by Blur – Features British vernacular, reflecting the everyday life of modern Britain.
7. “Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman – Uses simple and direct language to tell a heartfelt story.
8. “Texas Flood” by Stevie Ray Vaughan – Infuses lyrics with Southern blues vernacular.
9. “Shipping Up to Boston” by Dropkick Murphys – Includes regional vernacular reflecting the Irish-American culture of Boston.
10. “HUMBLE.” by Kendrick Lamar – Again uses AAVE to critique societal and cultural dynamics.

Vernacular in Movies

Vernacular in movies helps to establish realistic dialogue and deepen cultural context. Some famous examples include:

1. “The Godfather” (1972) – Incorporates Italian-American vernacular.
2. “Trainspotting” (1996) – Uses Scottish dialect extensively.
3. “Good Will Hunting” (1997) – Features Boston vernacular, enhancing the local setting.
4. “Fargo” (1996) – Characterized by the use of Upper Midwestern vernacular.
5. “Boyz n the Hood” (1991) – Uses African American Vernacular English to reflect the culture of South Central Los Angeles.
6. “Slumdog Millionaire” (2008) – Mixes Hindi and English, capturing the linguistic diversity of India.
7. “The Departed” (2006) – Uses Boston vernacular to authenticate the setting.
8. “Pulp Fiction” (1994) – Features Californian slang and AAVE in its sharp dialogues.
9. “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” (2002) – Includes English peppered with Greek phrases.
10. “In Bruges” (2008) – Showcases a mix of Irish dialects and colloquialisms.

Famous movie line highlighting Vernacular

In “The Godfather”, Don Vito Corleone, played by Marlon Brando, uses Italian-American vernacular when he says:

“I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse.”

This line not only captures the essence of the character’s power but also reflects the linguistic style of an Italian-American mob boss.

YouTube link of any relevant movie clip demonstrating Vernacular

Watch this clip from “The Godfather” to see a brilliant use of vernacular in cinema. The scene showcases Marlon Brando as Vito Corleone, using Italian-American vernacular to convey authority and cultural identity.

Vernacular in Advertising

Vernacular is also widely used in advertising to connect with specific audiences. Some notable examples include:

1. Coca-Cola: “Share a Coke” campaign used common first names and colloquial phrases.
2. McDonald’s: “I’m lovin’ it” uses casual language to appeal broadly.
3. Nike: “Just do it” employs imperative slang for motivational appeal.
4. Apple: “Think different” uses a grammatically unconventional slogan to stand out.
5. Wendy’s: “Where’s the beef?” became famous for its catchy, colloquial question.

Vernacular related literary devices

Vernacular is often used in conjunction with other literary devices to enhance storytelling, including:

1. Dialect: The specific language used by a group of people from a particular geographic region.
2. Colloquialism: Informal language or expressions not usually acceptable in formal writing.
3. Slang: Very informal language that is usually spoken rather than written, used especially by particular groups of people.
4. Jargon: Special words or expressions used by a profession or group that are difficult for others to understand.
5. Idiolect: The speech habits peculiar to a particular person.

These devices work together with vernacular to create rich, believable characters and settings in literature and other forms of storytelling.