Dialogue and Dialect

Introduction

• Writing dialogue and dialect is crucial for characterization.

• Characterization: Portrayal of characters' physical appearance, thoughts, words, and actions.

• Dialogue: Words characters say, providing insight into personality, thoughts, and values.

• Dialect: Variation of language that includes accent, vocabulary, and phrasing.

What is Dialogue and Dialect?

• Dialogue:

• Represents spoken words in a story.

• Gives insight into character's personality, thoughts, and values.

• Dialect:

• Variation of language features, including accent and word choices.

• Example: Southern dialect versus Northern dialect conveys localized characterization.

Using Dialogue and Dialect

• Examined in Mark Twain’s “The Invalid’s Story.”

• Example:

• Thompson's dialogue indicates:

  • Lack of education: "Phew! I reckon it ain’t no cinnamon 't I’ve loaded up thish-yer stove with!"

  • Religious beliefs: "Man that is born of woman is of few days and far between, as Scriptur' says."

  • Talkative nature inferred from lengthy speech.

Using Dialogue and Dialect in Real Life

• Reflect character backgrounds and origins.

• Example: Southern accent may differ significantly from Northern.

• Specific professions influence language use.

• An engineer and a doctor use different jargon.

Conclusion

• Dialogue and dialect are vital for rich characterization.

• They create realistic characters in literature and real life.

• Analyzing these elements enhances understanding of personality, thoughts, and values.

• Observe dialogue and dialect for deeper character insights next time you read or meet someone.