B2nounlanguagesociety
US/ˈdaɪ.ə.lekt/
UK/ˈdaɪ.ə.lekt/
a form of a language used in one region or social group, with its own words and grammar
In context
People in the north speak a different dialect from people in the south.
Some regional dialects are disappearing as young people move to big cities.
The author wrote the dialogue in a local dialect to make the characters sound real.
Words that go with dialect
adjective + noun
- regional dialectEvery regional dialect has its own words for food.
- local dialectShe still speaks the local dialect at home.
- strong dialectHe has a strong dialect and is sometimes hard to understand.
verb + noun
- speak a dialectMany villagers speak a dialect that outsiders cannot follow.
noun + preposition
- dialect of EnglishScots is a dialect of English, according to some linguists.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
She speaks a dialect English.Correct: She speaks a dialect of English.