Dialect vs. Colloquial — What's the Difference?

A regional variety of a language distinguished by vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.

Everyday language that is not suitable for formal occasions.

A linguistic expression characterized by its variation from the standard language.

Informal speech or language patterns used among friends and family.

A subset of a language that is not a standard but is comprehensible to speakers of the standard language form.

Expressions that simplify formal language for ease of conversation.

A form of a language spoken in a particular geographical area or by a specific group.

Language that conveys familiarity and comfort.

The linguistic features that differentiate groups of speakers.

Slang or idiomatic expressions used by particular groups.

The term dialect (from Latin dialectus, dialectos, from the Ancient Greek word διάλεκτος, diálektos 'discourse', from διά, diá 'through' and λέγω, légō 'I speak') can refer to either of two distinctly different types of linguistic phenomena: a variety of a language that is characteristic of a particular group of the language's speakers. Under this definition, the dialects or varieties of a particular language are closely related and are often mutually intelligible, especially if close to one another on the dialect continuum.

(of language) used in ordinary or familiar conversation; not formal or literary

A particular form of a language which is peculiar to a specific region or social group

Characteristic of or appropriate to the spoken language or to writing that seeks the effect of speech; informal.

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

Relating to conversation; conversational.

A variety of language that with other varieties constitutes a single language of which no single variety is standard

(linguistics) Characteristic of familiar conversation, of common parlance; informal.

The language peculiar to the members of a group, especially in an occupation; jargon

Of or pertaining to a conversation; conversational or chatty.

The manner or style of expressing oneself in language or the arts.

A colloquial word or phrase, colloquialism

A language considered as part of a larger family of languages or a linguistic branch. Not in scientific use

Pertaining to, or used in, conversation, esp. common and familiar conversation; conversational; hence, unstudied; informal; as, colloquial intercourse; colloquial phrases; a colloquial style.

A lect (often a regional or minority language) as part of a group or family of languages, especially if they are viewed as a single language, or if contrasted with a standardized idiom that is considered the 'true' form of the language (for example, Cantonese as contrasted with Mandarin Chinese or Bavarian as contrasted with Standard German).

Characteristic of informal spoken language or conversation;

A variety of a language that is characteristic of a particular area, community, or social group, differing from other varieties of the same language in relatively minor ways as regards grammar, phonology, and lexicon.

(pejorative) Language that is perceived as substandard or wrong.

A language existing only in an oral or non-standardized form, especially a language spoken in a developing country or an isolated region.

A variant of a non-standardized programming language.

(ornithology) A variant form of the vocalizations of a bird species restricted to a certain area or population.

Means or mode of expressing thoughts; language; tongue; form of speech.

The form of speech of a limited region or people, as distinguished from ether forms nearly related to it; a variety or subdivision of a language; speech characterized by local peculiarities or specific circumstances; as, the Ionic and Attic were dialects of Greece; the Yorkshire dialect; the dialect of the learned.

The usage or vocabulary that is characteristic of a specific group of people;

Dialects are subsets of a language and usually mutually intelligible among speakers of the same language, whereas languages are broader and may not be mutually intelligible.

Yes, colloquial expressions can be part of a dialect but are specifically informal and casual within that dialect.

Colloquialisms are avoided in formal writing because they are informal and can seem unprofessional or too casual.

Colloquial refers to informal speech or expressions typically used in casual conversations.

Understanding dialects can provide deeper insights into the culture and variations of a language, aiding in more comprehensive learning.

In most formal communications, it is advisable to avoid colloquial language to maintain professionalism and clarity.

The use of strong dialects can sometimes create barriers in communication, especially among speakers from different regions or social groups.

Linguists study dialects by analyzing speech patterns, vocabulary, and grammar among different groups and regions.

A dialect is a regional or social variation of a language with distinct vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.

Dialects are not incorrect or improper; they are legitimate forms of a language with their own rules and are culturally significant.

Colloquialisms are not universally understood and often require contextual knowledge of a specific culture or community.

It is nearly impossible to speak without any dialect as everyone adopts patterns from their surroundings and cultural background.

Both dialects and colloquialisms contribute to the evolution of language by introducing new expressions and usage patterns.

Someone might use colloquial language to create a sense of ease, to relate more closely with the audience, or to express cultural identity.

Colloquialisms can add authenticity and relatability to characters and dialogues in literature.