Dialect

Dialect

Dialect is a subclass of language that is exclusive to a particular region or community. This includes variations in pronunciation, vocabulary and grammar that differentiate it from other forms of the same language.

Dialectal variation and continuum

The concept of dialectal variation is understood in relation to geographical areas where the same linguistic features are shared. This indicates that dialects are bounded within a specific region. However, an opposing view suggests that dialects form a landscape without clear boundaries. There are often significant differences in pronunciation and other language features, therefore the classifications are indefinable.

The landscape of dialects is described as a continuum. As Chambers et al. (1998) write, linguistic variation becomes apparent when a person travels from one place to another. These differences accumulate gradually and become more intense as one moves away from the initial point. Neighboring places typically comprehend each other's dialects, but those at the edges of the continuum will have difficulty comprehending each other as it corelates with the geographical distance.

Dialect and language

Dialect and language are two distinct terminologies. The term "language" has a superior position, while "dialect" is a subordinate term that is under the domain of language. Therefore, the correct analogy is "A is the dialect of language B" instead of "B is the language of dialect A."

Dialect and accent

Dialect is a term that often implies informal speech. It is specific to particular geographic areas and includes a broader range of linguistic features, such as pronunciation, vocabulary and grammar. For example, people from London and people from Cardiff speak English, but their usage of words and phrases can vary greatly. Accent is also associated with a particular region, but it refers to pronunciation patterns and its linguistic elements are not as extensive as dialects.

Types of Dialect in Indonesia

According to Anastasia (2023), dialect is formed as a result of time and place, local culture and social group.

Local languages used outside the region

This dialect is the result of adaptation to the environmental conditions in which it is used over a long period of time. The most influential factors are time and location. For example, local languages spoken in the capital city of Jakarta is different from the original version as it is affected by living conditions in Jakarta.

National languages influenced by the local region

A national language will develop a different dialect in each are as it is affected by the cultural roots of each region. The usage of words, pronunciation and other linguistic elements also differ as they reflect the local area.

Social dialects

This type of dialect is associated with certain communities, ranging from age groups, occupational groups and more. It displays the characteristics of the specific community.

References

• Boga, H. I. (2020). What is a Language? What is a Dialect?.
• Linn, M. D. (2014). Dialect and language variation. Elsevie
• Van Rooy, R. (2020). Language or dialect?: The history of a conceptual pair. Oxford University Press.