Dialects and Isogloss

Chapter 5 section 5

Terms/Concepts• Dialect• Isogloss

Dialects• Dialect - a regional variation of a

language distinguished by distinctive vocabulary, spelling, and pronunciation– Generally speakers of one dialect can

understand speakers of another– Accents go along with dialects (they are

often used interchangeably)– Ex. MinnesOta and Georgia southern

drawl– Because of the large number of

speakers and widespread distribution, English has a large number of dialects

The Origin of U.S. Dialects• Differences in dialects interest us

because they reflect distinctive features of their environments

• Various dialects may develop when people migrate to a different location and become isolated from other members of their group.

Difference Between British and American English

• Vocabulary- different things in each nation and with new technology different words developed

• Spelling- strong desire for US individual and national identity

• Pronunciation- connection was print early on so spoken language developed differently

The Origin of U.S. Dialects• Major differences in

U.S. dialects are due to differences in dialects amongst original settlers– Northern– Southern– Midlands

Isogloss• Isoglosses - a word usage boundary– How dialects are arranged

geographically

Terms/Concepts• Dialect• Isogloss