social dialect

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

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A social dialect is a variety of a language that is associated with a particular social group, rather than a specific geographic region. These dialects can indicate a person's social background, class, or even occupation.12

Social dialectology studies how language varies within a society. For example, in cities, speech patterns can correlate with social status and educational levels. Age groups may also exhibit different speech patterns, which can vary further across social strata.3

While regional dialects are defined by geography, social dialects are tied to social factors. In some cases, social dialects can transcend regional ones, as seen with Received Pronunciation in England, which is used by upper-class speakers across the country. Speakers may also switch between dialects depending on the social situation, a phenomenon known as code-switching.2

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dialect
Social dialects
Another important axis of differentiation is that of social strata. In many localities, dialectal differences are connected with social classes, educational levels, or both. More-highly educated speakers and, often, those belonging to a higher social class tend to use more features belonging to…
Read More
Another important axis of differentiation is that of social strata. In many localities, dialectal differences are connected with social classes, educational levels, or both. More-highly educated speakers and, often, those belonging to a higher social class tend to use more features belonging to…
Read More