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A dialect is a distinctive way of speaking associated with a particular region or social group. Dialects such as Cajun, Appalachian English, and Ebonics (Black English) differ from standard language patterns such as General American English (GAE) in pronunciation, grammar, or vocabulary. Although dialects are neither superior nor inferior to standard language patterns, the audience must be able to understand and relate to the speaker’s language. As you practice your delivery, ensure that your pronunciation and word usage can be understood by all audience members.
| Appalachia | The uh sound before words ending in “ing” (She’s a-fishing today) |
| Urban African American | The use of be to denote activities (She be fishing all the time) |
| Rural Southern | The absence of the plural s inflection (She ran four mile)4 |