dialecticism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very RareHighly Academic, Technical Linguistic
Quick answer
What does “dialecticism” mean?
A word, phrase, or grammatical form peculiar to a dialect.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A word, phrase, or grammatical form peculiar to a dialect.
The quality or state of being dialectal; the use of dialect features in speech or writing. It can also refer to a stylistic principle or ideology favouring the use of regional dialects.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is equally rare and technical in both varieties. No specific national differences in usage.
Connotations
Neutral, technical.
Frequency
Exceedingly rare; likely encountered only in specialized linguistic or literary academic papers.
Grammar
How to Use “dialecticism” in a Sentence
The dialecticism of [Noun Phrase]The use of dialecticism in [Noun Phrase]Characterised by dialecticismVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dialecticism” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The poet's dialecticist tendencies were clear.
- His work is highly dialecticist.
American English
- The poet's dialecticist tendencies were clear.
- His work is highly dialecticist.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in linguistics and literary studies to analyse the use of dialectal elements in texts or speech.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
A precise term for a feature belonging to a specific dialect.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dialecticism”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dialecticism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dialecticism”
- Confusing with 'dialectics'.
- Using it as a synonym for 'dialect' itself rather than a feature of one.
- Overusing in non-specialist contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very rare, highly technical term used almost exclusively in academic linguistics and literary criticism.
A 'dialect' is a regional or social variety of a language. A 'dialecticism' is a specific feature (like a word, pronunciation, or grammar rule) that is characteristic of that dialect.
Not directly. The related adjective is 'dialectal' or, more rarely, 'dialecticist'.
In a linguistic sense, the opposite could be a 'standard form' or a feature of the standardized language, sometimes called 'standardism'.
A word, phrase, or grammatical form peculiar to a dialect.
Dialecticism is usually highly academic, technical linguistic in register.
Dialecticism: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdaɪəˈlektɪsɪz(ə)m/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdaɪəˈlɛktəˌsɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
DIALECT-ISM = the specific quirks or 'isms' of a DIALECT.
Conceptual Metaphor
LANGUAGE IS A LANDSCAPE (dialecticism as a local landmark or feature).
Practice
Quiz
What is the best definition of 'dialecticism'?