Dialect — English definition
A rule-governed variety of a language — with its own consistent vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation — shared by a regional or social community.
Where it is taught
- Language Change & Variation — Language, Style & Conventions, English 11: American Voices, Identity & Public Memory, Grade 11
In use
A dialect is not broken or lazy Standard English — it is a rule-governed system with its own consistent grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
Language Change & Variation
Questions using dialect
Problem 1
Explain why linguists say a dialect is not simply 'incorrect' or 'broken' Standard English.
Answer and explanation
A dialect is a rule-governed variety with its own consistent grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation — its patterns are systematic, not random mistakes. It differs from Standard English but follows its own internal rules just as reliably, so it is a different variety, not a broken version of one. Standard English is dominant because of social prestige and agreement, not because it is linguistically superior.