Language Variations and Dialects

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to language variations, dialects, and multilingualism, based on the lecture notes.

Dialect

A variation of a language that includes differences in spelling, vocabulary, and pronunciation.

Isogloss

Imaginary lines that represent boundaries of different dialects.

Standard Language

The most widely accepted form of a language that is taught in schools and used in formal contexts.

Creole Language

A stable, fully-developed language that arises from the mixing of colonizing languages and indigenous languages.

Subdialect

A subdivision of a dialect that reflects minor differences in pronunciation or vocabulary within a dialect.

Multilingual

A person or community that can communicate in multiple languages.

American English

The dialect of the English language spoken in the United States, distinct from British English.

British English

The dialect of the English language spoken in the United Kingdom, which has differences in vocabulary, spelling, and pronunciation compared to American English.

Standardizing Languages

The process by which governments attempt to make certain languages uniform to improve communication and trade.

Appalachian English

A dialect of English spoken primarily in the Appalachian region of the United States.