Regional dialects vary in pronunciation, word choices, and syntax depending on the region. Dialect geography maps the distribution of linguistic features and isoglosses show dialect boundaries between adjacent areas. While accent refers to pronunciation, dialect encompasses pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar. Received Pronunciation is considered the "best" English accent. Social dialects originate among social groups and are related to social class, religion, and ethnicity. Language also varies based on formality, occupational registers, and beliefs about which varieties are better.

1. Dialects and VarietiesDialects and Varieties
Deny A. Kwary
http://www.kwary.net
Airlangga University

2. Regional DialectsRegional Dialects
• Regional variation in
pronunciation, in the choices
and forms of words, and in
syntax.
• Dialect geography: a map of
the distributions of various
linguistic features.
• Isogloss: a line drawn to show
a dialect boundary between
adjacent areas.

3. Dialect vs. AccentDialect vs. Accent
• The term dialect should not be confused
with the term accent.
Accent: the pronunciation
Dialect: the pronunciation, vocabulary, and
grammar
• The so-called ‘best’ English accent:
• The Received Pronunciation (RP)
• It is also called the Queen’s English, Oxford
English, and BBC English.

4. Social DialectsSocial Dialects
• Social dialects originate among social
groups and are mainly related to social
class, religion, and ethnicity.
• E.g. In Baghdad, the Christian, Jewish,
and Muslim inhabitants speak different
varieties of Arabic.

5. Styles, Registers, and BeliefsStyles, Registers, and Beliefs
• Styles: formal vs. informal
• Registers: associated with
occupational groups.
• Beliefs: judgement about
‘better’ or ‘worse’ varieties.

6. Styles, Registers, and BeliefsStyles, Registers, and Beliefs
• Styles: formal vs. informal
• Registers: associated with
occupational groups.
• Beliefs: judgement about
‘better’ or ‘worse’ varieties.