Dialect vs. Slang: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sara Rehman || Updated on November 12, 2023
Dialect refers to a regional or social variation of a language with distinct vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar. Slang refers to informal, often trendy language used by particular groups, characterized by colloquial phrases and new meanings.
Key Differences
Origin and Structureialects develop over time, influenced by historical, geographical, and social factors, and have distinct rules of grammar and pronunciation. Slang, conversely, evolves quickly, often emerging from subcultures and used to express identity or group solidarity.
Sara Rehman
Nov 12, 2023
Formality and Acceptanceialects are formal structures of language and can be part of standard language education. Slang is informal, not typically taught in formal education settings, and sometimes considered non-standard or improper.
Sara Rehman
Nov 12, 2023
Stability and Changeialects are relatively stable, with changes occurring over long periods. Slang terms are more fluid, often changing rapidly and sometimes falling out of use just as quickly as they appear.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
Usage Contextialects are used in everyday communication and can be spoken by all age groups in a particular region or community. Slang is more often used by specific groups, like youth, and in casual or conversational contexts.
Sara Rehman
Nov 12, 2023
Linguistic Recognitionialects are recognized and studied as legitimate variations of a language. Slang, while also studied linguistically, is often seen as peripheral or supplementary to a language.
Janet White
Nov 12, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Formality
Formal and part of language education
Informal and often not part of formal education
Janet White
Nov 12, 2023
Linguistic Change
Influenced by historical/geographical factors
Influenced by cultural trends, media
Sara Rehman
Nov 12, 2023
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Dialect and Slang Definitions
Dialect
A form of language specific to a region.
The Southern dialect has a distinct accent.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
Slang
Non-standard, informal expressions.
Teens often use slang that adults don't understand.
Sara Rehman
Nov 12, 2023
Dialect
Language variation based on social groups.
The dialect in urban areas differs from rural areas.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 12, 2023
Slang
Language used to establish group identity.
Skaters have their own slang.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 12, 2023
Dialect
Characterized by distinct pronunciation.
Their dialect has a unique pronunciation of certain vowels.
Janet White
Nov 12, 2023
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Slang
Phrases that are fashionable or trendy.
That slang term is really popular on social media.
Harlon Moss
Nov 12, 2023
Dialect
Has unique grammatical rules and vocabulary.
This dialect uses different verb conjugations.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 12, 2023
Slang
Casual and conversational language.
Slang makes the dialogue in movies sound more natural.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
Dialect
A subgroup of a language with its own features.
The dialect spoken here reflects its historical isolation.
Harlon Moss
Nov 12, 2023
Slang
Words with new, unconventional meanings.
In slang, 'lit' means exciting or excellent.
Sara Rehman
Nov 12, 2023
Dialect
A regional or social variety of a language distinguished by pronunciation, grammar, or vocabulary, especially a variety of speech differing from the standard literary language or speech pattern of the culture in which it exists
Cockney is a dialect of English.
Sara Rehman
Mar 02, 2023
Slang
A kind of language occurring chiefly in casual and playful speech, made up typically of coinages and figures of speech that are deliberately used in place of standard terms for added raciness, humor, irreverence, or other effect.
Sara Rehman
Mar 02, 2023
Dialect
A variety of language that with other varieties constitutes a single language of which no single variety is standard
The dialects of Ancient Greek.
Sara Rehman
Mar 02, 2023
Dialect
The language peculiar to the members of a group, especially in an occupation; jargon
The dialect of science.
Sara Rehman
Mar 02, 2023
Slang
To use angry and abusive language
Persuaded the parties to quit slanging and come to the bargaining table.
Sara Rehman
Mar 02, 2023
FAQs
How is slang different from regular language?
Slang is informal and often trendy, used mainly in casual or conversational contexts, unlike the more formal and stable structure of standard language.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 12, 2023
Can dialects become standard language?
Yes, some dialects can evolve into or influence the development of a standard language over time.
Sara Rehman
Nov 12, 2023
Do slang terms last long?
Slang terms are often short-lived, changing with trends and cultural shifts.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 12, 2023
What is a dialect in linguistics?
A dialect is a regional or social variation of a language with its own grammatical, phonetic, and lexical characteristics.
Sara Rehman
Nov 12, 2023
Are dialects bound by geography?
Dialects are often influenced by geographical factors, but they can also be defined by social factors.
Janet White
Nov 12, 2023
Why do people use slang?
People use slang for various reasons, including ease of communication, creative expression, and group identity.
Harlon Moss
Nov 12, 2023
Do all languages have dialects?
Most languages with a sizeable number of speakers have dialects due to regional and social variations.
Sara Rehman
Nov 12, 2023
Is slang always considered improper?
Not always, though it's informal, it can be contextually appropriate and widely accepted within certain groups.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 12, 2023
Is slang a sign of language decay?
No, slang is a natural part of language evolution and not indicative of decay.
Sara Rehman
Nov 12, 2023
Can someone have a dialect without an accent?
Dialects include more than just pronunciation differences, so one can speak a dialect with minimal or no noticeable accent.
Sara Rehman
Nov 12, 2023
Are dialects mutually intelligible?
Many dialects are mutually intelligible, though some may differ significantly from the standard language.
Harlon Moss
Nov 12, 2023
Is it important to learn dialects?
Learning dialects can be important for cultural understanding and effective communication in specific regions.
Harlon Moss
Nov 12, 2023
Is slang used in literature?
Slang is often used in literature to convey authenticity, character, and setting.
Harlon Moss
Nov 12, 2023
Do dialects have formal rules?
Dialects have their own set of rules and structures, though they may not be as formally codified as standard language.
Sara Rehman
Nov 12, 2023
Why is it challenging to understand some dialects?
Variations in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar can make some dialects challenging for non-native speakers to understand.
Harlon Moss
Nov 12, 2023
How quickly does slang change?
Slang can change rapidly, influenced by media, pop culture, and societal changes.
Janet White
Nov 12, 2023
Can slang become part of the standard language?
Some slang terms may become widely accepted and integrated into the standard language over time.
Harlon Moss
Nov 12, 2023
How many dialects can a language have?
A language can have numerous dialects, depending on the diversity and size of its speaker population.
Janet White
Nov 12, 2023
How does media influence slang?
Media plays a significant role in popularizing and spreading slang terms.
Harlon Moss
Nov 12, 2023
Can bilingual people have multiple dialects?
Yes, bilingual individuals can speak different dialects of each of their languages.
Sara Rehman
Nov 12, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sara RehmanSara Rehman is a seasoned writer and editor with extensive experience at Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Information Technology, she combines her academic prowess with her passion for writing to deliver insightful and well-researched content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
