Dialect vs. Patois — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 5, 2024
Dialect is a regional or social variety of a language characterized by its own phonetic, grammatical, and lexical properties, while patois is used to describe non-standard, regional languages or dialects, particularly those with Creole or pidgin origins.
Difference Between Dialect and Patois
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Dialects are variations of a language that are specific to a particular region or social group, featuring unique vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. These variations can exist within the same country or linguistic community, enabling linguists to map out linguistic landscapes based on geographical or social boundaries. Patois, on the other hand, is generally considered a subset of dialects, often viewed as a less prestigious form of language. It usually emerges in contexts where cultures and languages intersect, leading to a blend of linguistic features.
The concept of a dialect encompasses a wide range of linguistic variations that can differ slightly or significantly from the standard language form. Dialects can be mutually intelligible, meaning speakers of different dialects of the same language can understand each other with relative ease. Patois, however, may sometimes be less intelligible to speakers of the standard language, as it often incorporates elements from multiple languages, reflecting its mixed linguistic heritage.
In academic and sociolinguistic contexts, dialects are studied to understand the linguistic diversity and historical language changes within communities. Researchers analyze dialects to gain insights into historical migration patterns, social status, and identity. Patois, with its roots often in Creole and pidgin languages, is studied for its cultural significance and as a marker of identity among its speakers, highlighting the resilience and adaptation of language in multilingual settings.
While dialects are acknowledged and studied across various regions for their contributions to the richness of a language, patois is frequently associated with particular regions or communities. For example, Jamaican Patois is well-known internationally, often celebrated in music and literature, which has helped to elevate its status and visibility. Patois can serve as a strong marker of cultural identity, carrying connotations of resistance and empowerment for its speakers.
The perception of dialects and patois varies significantly across different societies. Dialects might be seen as a sign of regional pride or heritage, while patois is often stigmatized as being improper or broken language, especially in contexts where language is closely tied to social status. However, there is a growing appreciation for the linguistic and cultural richness that both dialects and patois bring to the global linguistic landscape.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A regional or social variety of a language with distinctive vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.
A non-standard language variety, often with Creole or pidgin origins, characterized by a mix of linguistic features.
Origin
Emerges from geographical or social segregation within a language community.
Develops in multilingual contexts where cultures and languages blend.
Intelligibility
Generally mutually intelligible with the standard language.
May be less intelligible to speakers of the standard language.
Academic Interest
Studied for insights into linguistic diversity, historical language changes, and social dynamics.
Analyzed for cultural significance, identity, and the impact of linguistic blending.
Social Perception
Can be seen as a marker of regional identity or heritage.
Often stigmatized, but can also be a symbol of cultural pride and resistance.
Compare with Definitions
Dialect
Characterized by unique grammatical structures.
Some dialects have verb forms absent in Standard English.
Patois
Characterized by its deviation from the standard language norms.
Patois may simplify grammar of the dominant language.
Dialect
Features a specialized vocabulary.
Appalachian dialect includes words like poke for a bag.
Patois
A language variety formed from the blending of multiple languages.
Jamaican Patois evolved from English, African languages, and others.
Dialect
Reflects social identity and heritage.
The Cajun dialect in Louisiana is a source of pride among its speakers.
Patois
Often arises in contexts of colonization or migration.
Haitian Creole developed from French and African languages.
Dialect
Can be mutually intelligible with other dialects of the same language.
The Scots dialect is intelligible to many English speakers.
Patois
Sometimes viewed as lesser than the standard language.
Patois speakers often face linguistic discrimination.
Dialect
A variation of a language specific to a region or group.
The Yorkshire dialect has distinct pronunciations not found elsewhere in England.
Patois
Serves as a marker of cultural and community identity.
Speaking patois reinforces a sense of belonging among its speakers.
Dialect
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.
Patois
Patois (, pl. same or ) is speech or language that is considered nonstandard, although the term is not formally defined in linguistics.
Dialect
A particular form of a language which is peculiar to a specific region or social group
The Lancashire dialect seemed like a foreign language
Patois
The dialect of a particular region, especially one with low status in relation to the standard language of the country
The nurse talked to me in a patois that even Italians would have had difficulty in understanding
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.
Patois
A regional dialect, especially one without a literary tradition.
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.
Patois
Nonstandard speech.
Dialect
The language peculiar to the members of a group, especially in an occupation; jargon
The dialect of science.
Patois
The special jargon of a group; cant.
Dialect
The manner or style of expressing oneself in language or the arts.
Patois
Variant of Patwa.
Dialect
A language considered as part of a larger family of languages or a linguistic branch. Not in scientific use
Spanish and French are Romance dialects.
Patois
A regional dialect of a language (especially French); usually considered substandard.
Dialect
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).
Patois
Any of various French or Occitan dialects spoken in France.
Dialect
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.
Patois
Creole French in the Caribbean (especially in Dominica, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago and Haiti).
Dialect
(pejorative) Language that is perceived as substandard or wrong.
Patois
(Jamaica) Jamaican Patois, a Jamaican creole language primarily based on English and African languages but also has influences from Spanish, Portuguese and Hindi.
Dialect
A language existing only in an oral or non-standardized form, especially a language spoken in a developing country or an isolated region.
Patois
Jargon or cant.
Dialect
A variant of a non-standardized programming language.
Home computers in the 1980s had many incompatible dialects of BASIC.
Patois
A dialect peculiar to the illiterate classes; a provincial form of speech.
The jargon and patois of several provinces.
Dialect
(ornithology) A variant form of the vocalizations of a bird species restricted to a certain area or population.
Patois
A characteristic language of a particular group (as among thieves);
They don't speak our lingo
Dialect
Means or mode of expressing thoughts; language; tongue; form of speech.
This book is writ in such a dialectAs may the minds of listless men affect.Bunyan.The universal dialect of the world.
Patois
A regional dialect of a language (especially French); usually considered substandard
Dialect
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.
In the midst of this Babel of dialects there suddenly appeared a standard English language.
[Charles V.] could address his subjects from every quarter in their native dialect.
Dialect
The usage or vocabulary that is characteristic of a specific group of people;
The immigrants spoke an odd dialect of English
He has a strong German accent
Common Curiosities
What role does patois play in cultural identity?
Patois serves as a strong marker of cultural and community identity, reflecting the heritage and experiences of its speakers.
Why are patois and dialects important to study?
They offer insights into linguistic diversity, cultural identity, and historical language changes.
How do dialects and patois affect communication?
They can both enrich communication but may pose challenges for intelligibility outside their speaker communities.
What is the main difference between a dialect and patois?
A dialect is a regional or social variant of a language, while patois is often a mix of languages with Creole or pidgin origins.
Can dialects and patois be mutually intelligible?
Dialects are usually mutually intelligible to some extent, whereas patois might be less so due to its mixed linguistic features.
Are all non-standard language varieties considered patois?
Not all; patois specifically refers to varieties often with Creole or pidgin origins, distinguished by their mixed linguistic heritage.
How does the perception of dialects and patois vary?
Dialects may be viewed with regional pride, whereas patois is often stigmatized but can also symbolize cultural resistance.
Can a dialect evolve into a standard language?
Yes, dialects can evolve and gain recognition as standard languages over time, depending on social and political factors.
Can someone be bilingual in a dialect and the standard language?
Yes, many people are effectively bilingual in a dialect and the standard form of the same language.
Is it possible to have a dialect of a patois?
Yes, within a patois, there can be variations that could be considered its dialects, reflecting further linguistic diversity.
How do linguists classify dialects and patois?
Linguists classify them based on their phonetic, grammatical, and lexical properties, and their origins and social functions.
Why might a speaker of patois face discrimination?
Speakers of patois might face discrimination due to prejudices associating patois with lower social status or lack of education.
What is the role of colonization in the development of patois?
Colonization has played a significant role in the development of patois, as these varieties often emerged in colonial contexts.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
