6.1 Before You Read

Accents, Dialects, and Setting

Have you ever listened to people that use accents and words that are different from your own? Sometimes, you can tell what part of Canada someone is from by his or her accent.

A regional dialect is a variety of language spoken in a particular region. It may have unique vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation from other regional varieties of the language - a bit more than just a different accent. This happens in Canada, where words are pronounced differently depending on where you live. Examples include tomato, about, caramel, route, aunt, iron, pecan, and more. Sometimes, a story or novel will have characters with accents or dialects.

What is the author’s purpose when using dialect?

• To make characters seem more real.
• To make the speaking fit the setting.