Welcome to another week of Dear Duolingo, an advice column just for learners. Catch up on past installments here.
Hi everybody! This week, we’re exploring a topic that worries many learners: dialects 🫣. More specifically, how you can learn to understand all the dialects of the language you're learning. Let’s jump in.
Our question this week:
Let’s start with an inconvenient truth: It’s not always easy to distinguish between a standard variety of a language and a dialect. To spare you the murky details, we’ll assume that a standard variety is what’s typically taught to language learners. In contrast, dialects are the local or regional varieties you'll encounter when interacting with locals. (Though they aren’t to be confused with accents!)
It’s also worth noting that most dialects aren’t standardized, meaning there are often no fixed rules for grammar, spelling, or pronunciation. However, this in no way indicates anything about the value of dialects as languages. Rather, dialects simply serve a different purpose than standard languages: They are primarily used for spoken communication in day-to-day life within a specific region, and may also tell you something else about the speaker, such as their age, gender identity, or socioeconomic class.
So the challenge you, Lost in Dialect, and many other learners are facing is that the language people use in everyday life often differs from what’s formally taught. Sometimes, dialects are similar enough that speakers of different varieties can understand each other. With some exceptions, this is generally true for dialects of English and Spanish. Other times, dialects can be so distinct that mutual understanding is difficult or even impossible, as is the case with Arabic or Chinese. And some languages fall somewhere in between, like German.
Here are a couple of strategies to help you navigate dialects.
📚 Learn the standard language first
Before diving into any language’s dialect, it’s helpful to have a solid understanding of the standard language. Here’s why:
- Foundation. Learning the standard language first gives you a reference point for understanding dialects. Many dialect words and expressions are variations of standard-language words, so knowing the standard form can make it easier to recognize and decode dialect vocabulary.
- Specific settings. In official settings and certain cities, you’ll often find people speaking a language that is much closer to the standard variety than to any spoken dialect. While native speakers there will usually understand different dialects, keep in mind that many big cities also are melting pots of different cultures and languages. So you might interact with people that aren’t native speakers themselves, and who could struggle to understand dialects too.
- Fallback option. If in doubt, you can always revert to the standard language. The vast majority of speakers can understand the standard language and will be able to speak it with you. This safety net can be especially helpful in high-stress situations, like a medical emergency.
📝 Get started with your key vocabulary
So, you’ve got a firm grasp on the standard language and now you’re ready to tackle a specific dialect? Start with the words you’re most likely to encounter in *your* day-to-day life! Here are a few tips for getting started:
- Consider your daily routine. What are the most common situations in which you’re facing the dialect? Is it at the supermarket? At work? With friends? When listening to the radio? Depending on your answer, pay close attention to the specific words and phrases you hear in those settings.
- Start a dialect notebook. Have a centralized place for collecting new words and expressions as well as pronunciation notes. If you like, you can even group them by theme (like food, greetings, work phrases, and so on). It can also be helpful to pair them with their standard-language equivalents, to see if there are any discernible patterns between the two.
- Treat dialect vocabulary seriously. Make an active effort to study dialect words, just like you would with standard-language vocabulary, even if it means creating your own learning resources. Historically, dialects haven’t always been taken seriously, both by the greater language community and by dialect speakers themselves. So embracing rather than resisting the dialect you’re surrounded by can make a real difference. Not only does it show respect for local language identity, it can also help you progress faster in your own language goals.
Becoming familiar with high-frequency words can make it easier to understand other dialect words through context. It might also give you a much-needed confidence boost for interacting with dialect speakers.
👂 Identify patterns in sound changes
Once you feel fairly confident with your dialect’s words and expressions, it’s time to look a little deeper. By listening closely, you may begin to notice certain systematic sound changes. For example, a dialect might use a different vowel than the standard language when it follows a specific consonant. In other cases, prefixes may shift to a different form, or a sound at the end of a word might be dropped.
There are many possibilities for how sounds can change between a standard language and a dialect. Whatever the case in your chosen dialect may be, if you pay close enough attention, you’ll find certain patterns. Figuring out what they are can make it easier to decipher unfamiliar dialect words.
🍿 TV
It’s no secret that watching TV can help boost your language skills. However, many series and movies on popular streaming platforms mostly use standard language. If you’re looking for exposure to dialects, try the local public broadcaster! These networks often produce shows and films aiming to portray regional life—and some of them feature non-standard language.
Depending on the relationship between the dialect and the standard variety of a language, some public broadcasters may offer subtitles, often in the standard language that the dialect is derived from. Turning them on can be a big help, as this will allow you to map what’s being said onto words you already know or can look up.
📱 Online resources
Many people have made an effort to put together online learning resources to help others learn their dialect, ranging from apps to DIY dictionaries and voice recordings. Take some time to scour the internet for material specific to the dialect you want to learn—you’ll be surprised by how much is out there once you start searching.
Another option is to look for content creators speaking the dialect on platforms like TikTok or Instagram. With short video content, you might even be lucky enough to find some with subtitles provided by the creator. And don’t be afraid to engage with their content! Leaving a comment or asking a question can sometimes lead to helpful tips.
💬 Interact with speakers
Even if it seems intimidating—use any chance you get to speak with people! This can be in a structured setting, like a language exchange or conversation group, or simply in everyday situations. If your conversation partner switches to the standard language (or maybe even English), politely let them know that you’d like to practice understanding their dialect. Most speakers will be elated to see an interest in their regional variety and will happily share it with you.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, try taking small steps. Maybe start with greetings and short exchanges in the dialect, then build up to somewhat longer conversations. Simple phrases like ordering a coffee or asking for directions can give you practice in the beginning. Over time, you’ll build up your repertoire and confidence.
Dialects aren’t as scary as they sound
Regional varieties can seem daunting if you’re learning a language. But with patience, curiosity, and the right strategies, you’ll be able to understand speakers of your chosen dialect better and truly connect with them.
For more answers to your dialect questions, get in touch with us by emailing dearduolingo@duolingo.com.