Parlance vs. Vernacular — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 2, 2024
Parlance refers to a particular way of speaking, specific to a group, while vernacular describes the everyday language spoken by ordinary people in a specific area.
Difference Between Parlance and Vernacular
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Parlance is commonly used to denote a manner or mode of speech particular to a certain group or profession, emphasizing specialized vocabulary and expressions. On the other hand, vernacular refers to the language or dialect spoken by the ordinary people in a specific geographic region, often distinguishing itself from the standard or official language.
While parlance can include jargon and technical terms that may be incomprehensible to outsiders, vernacular is characterized by its accessibility and widespread use among a community. Vernacular language evolves from day-to-day communication and is less formal than the standardized language taught in educational settings.
Parlance often reflects the insider knowledge and shared experiences of a group, whether professional, social, or cultural. Whereas vernacular language is rooted in local culture and history, embodying the social and ethnic identity of its speakers.
In literature, authors might use parlance to convey a character’s professional background or group affiliation, which adds depth to their narratives. On the other hand, using vernacular speech can lend authenticity to a story, helping to vividly portray the setting and the lives of the characters based on real-life speech patterns.
From a linguistic perspective, studying parlance can provide insights into the terminology and methods of communication within specific sectors such as law, medicine, or technology. Conversely, studying vernacular can reveal much about the social structures, history, and values of a community.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Way of speaking by a specific group
Everyday language of ordinary people
Usage
Specialized or professional groups
General population in a region
Nature
Often formal and technical
Informal and natural
Linguistic Focus
Jargon, terminology
Local dialects, idioms
Importance in Literature
Shows group affiliation
Adds authenticity and local color
Compare with Definitions
Parlance
A style or way of speaking or terminology.
The term scalability is common in the parlance of tech professionals.
Vernacular
The language or dialect spoken by the ordinary people of a region.
The novel is written in the vernacular of rural Georgia.
Parlance
Specific language used by a particular group or profession.
In legal parlance, “tort” refers to a civil wrong.
Vernacular
Everyday speech that is not formal or literary.
He writes the way people speak, using vernacular expressions.
Parlance
Language characteristic of a particular group.
Such abbreviations have become common parlance among young internet users.
Vernacular
Language native to a locale rather than a learned or foreign language.
Teaching in the vernacular helps students grasp concepts more easily.
Parlance
The expression or mode of speech used to describe specialized concepts.
In medical parlance, stat implies an urgent need for action.
Vernacular
Informal language reflecting local customs and idioms.
Her writing vividly captures the vernacular of urban youths.
Parlance
Refers to the jargon or slang used within a particular context.
Bear and bull are terms often found in the parlance of stock market enthusiasts.
Vernacular
The nonstandard speech of a particular area.
The vernacular spoken in the bayou is rich with unique phrases.
Parlance
A particular manner of speaking; idiom
Legal parlance.
Vernacular
A vernacular or vernacular language refers to the language or dialect that is spoken by people that are inhabiting a particular country or region. The vernacular is typically the native language, normally spoken informally rather than written, and seen as of lower status than more codified forms.
Parlance
Speech, especially a conversation or parley.
Vernacular
The language or dialect spoken by the ordinary people in a particular country or region
He wrote in the vernacular to reach a larger audience
Parlance
A certain way of speaking, of using words; especially that associated with a particular job or interest.
Vernacular
Architecture concerned with domestic and functional rather than public or monumental buildings
Buildings in which Gothic merged into farmhouse vernacular
Parlance
Of a word, the quality of being lexicalized; especially as jargon or slang.
Vernacular
(of language) spoken as one's mother tongue; not learned or imposed as a second language.
Parlance
Speech, discussion or debate.
Vernacular
(of architecture) concerned with domestic and functional rather than public or monumental buildings
Vernacular buildings
Parlance
Conversation; discourse; talk; diction; phrase; as, in legal parlance; in common parlance.
A hate of gossip parlance and of sway.
Vernacular
The everyday language spoken by a people as distinguished from the literary language.
Parlance
A manner of speaking that is natural to native speakers of a language
Vernacular
A variety of such everyday language specific to a social group or region
The vernaculars of New York City.
Vernacular
The specialized vocabulary of a particular trade, profession, or group
In the legal vernacular.
Vernacular
The common, nonscientific name of a plant or animal.
Vernacular
Native to or commonly spoken by the members of a particular country or region.
Vernacular
Using the native language of a region, especially as distinct from the literary language
A vernacular poet.
Vernacular
Relating to or expressed in the native language or dialect.
Vernacular
Of or being an indigenous building style using local materials and traditional methods of construction and ornament, especially as distinguished from academic or historical architectural styles.
Vernacular
Occurring or existing in a particular locality; endemic
A vernacular disease.
Vernacular
Relating to or designating the common, nonscientific name of a biological species.
Vernacular
The language of a people or a national language.
A vernacular of the United States is English.
Vernacular
Everyday speech or dialect, including colloquialisms, as opposed to standard, literary, liturgical, or scientific idiom.
Street vernacular can be quite different from what is heard elsewhere.
Vernacular
Language unique to a particular group of people.
For those of a certain age, hiphop vernacular might just as well be a foreign language.
Vernacular
A language lacking standardization or a written form.
Vernacular
Indigenous spoken language, as distinct from a literary or liturgical language such as Ecclesiastical Latin.
Vatican II allowed the celebration of the mass in the vernacular.
Vernacular
(architecture) A style of architecture involving local building materials and styles, not imported.
Vernacular
Of or pertaining to everyday language, as opposed to standard, literary, liturgical, or scientific idiom.
Vernacular
Belonging to the country of one's birth; one's own by birth or nature.
A vernacular disease
Vernacular
(architecture) Of or related to local building materials and styles; not imported.
Vernacular
(art) Connected to a collective memory; not imported.
Vernacular
Belonging to the country of one's birth; one's own by birth or nature; native; indigenous; - now used chiefly of language; as, English is our vernacular language.
His skill in the vernacular dialect of the Celtic tongue.
Which in our vernacular idiom may be thus interpreted.
Vernacular
The vernacular language; one's mother tongue; often, the common forms of expression in a particular locality, opposed to literary or learned forms.
Vernacular
A characteristic language of a particular group (as among thieves);
They don't speak our lingo
Vernacular
The everyday speech of the people (as distinguished from literary language)
Vernacular
Being or characteristic of or appropriate to everyday language;
Common parlance
A vernacular term
Vernacular speakers
The vulgar tongue of the masses
The technical and vulgar names for an animal species
Common Curiosities
Can vernacular become a recognized standard language?
Over time, elements of vernacular can be absorbed into standard languages, although vernacular itself remains distinct.
How does the use of vernacular affect literature?
Vernacular can add authenticity and depth to literature, making characters and settings more relatable and vivid.
Why is understanding parlance important in professional contexts?
Understanding parlance is crucial for effective communication and integration within specific professional fields.
What is the main difference between parlance and vernacular?
Parlance refers to specialized language of a group, while vernacular is the everyday language of ordinary people.
Where would one typically encounter parlance?
Parlance is often encountered in professional, academic, or specific social settings.
Can vernacular be used formally?
While typically informal, vernacular can be used in formal contexts to emphasize a point or connect with an audience.
What might be a reason to study vernacular languages?
Studying vernacular languages offers insights into the cultural and social dynamics of a region.
Is parlance limited to spoken language?
Parlance can refer to both spoken and written forms of language, particularly in professional or technical contexts.
What role does vernacular play in cultural identity?
Vernacular is a key component of cultural identity, reflecting the history, customs, and values of a community.
Do authors mix parlance and vernacular in their writing?
Authors may mix both to enrich narratives and develop characters from different backgrounds.
How can vernacular language impact social cohesion?
Vernacular language strengthens social bonds among members of the same community, fostering a sense of belonging.
Is it easier to learn parlance or vernacular?
Learning parlance may require more specific study, while vernacular is generally picked up through social interaction.
What is an example of vernacular influencing standard language?
Many vernacular words have entered standard English, such as "okay" and "cool."
Why might someone choose to write or speak in vernacular?
Using vernacular can be a deliberate choice to resonate more deeply with a particular audience or to express cultural pride.
How does parlance differ from slang?
Parlance can include slang but is broader, encompassing the full range of terminology used by a group.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
