Literary Term - Dialect

 

Literary Term

Dialect 

In literature, "dialect" refers to a particular form of a language that is specific to a region or social group. It involves variations in grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation from the standard form of the language. Writers use dialect to add authenticity to their characters, to provide local color, and to give a sense of place and time.

 

Here are some key points about dialect in literature:

Authenticity and Realism: Using dialect can make characters and settings feel more real and believable. It helps readers to hear the voices of the characters more vividly.

Characterization: Dialect can reveal a lot about a character's background, including their geographical origin, social class, education level, and more.

Cultural Representation: It showcases the diversity of language and reflects the cultural richness of different communities.

Challenges for Readers: While dialect can enrich a text, it can also be challenging for readers who may not be familiar with the particular linguistic features.

Examples of dialect in literature include the writings of Mark Twain, particularly in "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," where he uses various dialects to depict different characters authentically.

 

Examples of Dialect in Literature

 

"The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain:

Twain uses several regional dialects to give authenticity to his characters. For example, Jim, the runaway slave, speaks in a Southern African American vernacular: "We's safe, Huck, we's safe! Jump up and crack yo' heels. Dat's de good ole Cairo at las', I jis knows it."

 

"Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston:

Hurston uses Southern Black vernacular to capture the speech patterns of African Americans in the early 20th century: "You sho loves to tell me whut to do, but Ah can't tell you nothin' Ah see!"

 

"Trainspotting" by Irvine Welsh:

Welsh employs Scottish dialect to reflect the working-class Edinburgh setting and its inhabitants: "Ah choose no tae choose life. Ah choose somethin else."

 

"Wuthering Heights" by Emily Brontë:

Joseph, a servant at Wuthering Heights, speaks in a Yorkshire dialect: "Aw wonder how yah can faishion tuh stand thear i' idleness un war, when all on 'em's goan out!"

 

"A Clockwork Orange" by Anthony Burgess:

Burgess invents a futuristic teen slang called Nadsat, a mix of Russian and English, to depict his dystopian society: "What's it going to be then, eh?"

 

"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee:

The dialogue in this novel captures the Southern dialect of the 1930s: "Ain’t no snot-nosed slut of a schoolteacher ever born c’n make me do nothin’!"

 

These examples illustrate how dialect can bring characters to life, convey authenticity, and enhance the reader's immersion in the story's setting.

 

Function of Dialect

The use of dialect in literature serves several important functions, enriching the text and providing deeper insights into characters and settings. Here are the primary functions of dialect:

 

Characterization:

Dialect helps define a character's background, including their regional, social, and cultural identity. It can reveal information about a character's upbringing, education level, and social status.

Example: In Mark Twain's "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," the use of different dialects for characters like Jim and Huck helps to highlight their distinct backgrounds and personalities.

 

Authenticity and Realism:

Using dialect can make the setting and characters more believable and authentic. It helps to create a vivid and immersive world for the reader.

Example: Zora Neale Hurston's "Their Eyes Were Watching God" employs Southern Black vernacular to accurately depict the lives and speech patterns of African Americans in the early 20th century.

 

Cultural Representation:

Dialect can capture the unique linguistic features of a particular cultural or ethnic group, providing a voice to marginalized communities and preserving their linguistic heritage.

Example: Paul Laurence Dunbar's use of African American dialect in his poetry represents the speech patterns and cultural expressions of Black Americans.

 

Setting the Tone and Mood:

Dialect can contribute to the overall tone and mood of a literary work, enhancing the emotional impact and atmosphere.

Example: The use of Scottish dialect in Robert Burns' poetry adds a rustic and lyrical quality that complements the themes of nature and love.

 

Social Commentary:

Authors can use dialect to comment on social issues, such as class differences, racial discrimination, or regional disparities. It can highlight power dynamics and social hierarchies.

Example: In Charles Dickens' novels, the use of Cockney dialect for working-class characters often underscores the social and economic divide in Victorian England.

 

Humor and Wit:

Dialect can add humor and wit to a literary work. The peculiarities of regional speech and the playful manipulation of language can create comedic effects.

Example: The use of rhyming slang in Cockney dialect can introduce humor and clever wordplay into the dialogue.

 

Narrative Voice:

Dialect can shape the narrative voice, making it unique and engaging. It can reflect the narrator's personality and perspective, adding depth to the storytelling.

Example: Irvine Welsh's use of Scottish dialect in "Trainspotting" provides a raw and gritty narrative voice that aligns with the themes of the novel.

 

Differentiating Characters:

When multiple characters speak in different dialects, it helps the reader distinguish between them, making the dialogue more dynamic and varied.

Example: In William Faulkner's works, characters from different social and regional backgrounds are often given distinct dialects to highlight their differences.

The use of dialect in literature enhances the richness and complexity of a text, allowing authors to create more nuanced and authentic portrayals of their characters and settings.