Creating a Dialect
All forms of language are actually dialects, with a language being considered an official language when it has taken on some power. It takes on power by its users taking on power. It dies when its users die, etc.
Having a dystopian world, or any kind of world really, each group of characters should realistically speak in a pattern. It does not have to be a major change, but there needs to be a distinction.
The question is, write it as it's said which can be annoying to some readers, or simply 'mention' that an accent is in use. Of course, the register will help identify a dialect. i.e. saying 'it's such a bother' compared to 'what a pain in the ass'. Same meaning, different words.
So how important is a dialect to a world, and do readers favor it or hate it? And should it be used, to what extent?
Having a dystopian world, or any kind of world really, each group of characters should realistically speak in a pattern. It does not have to be a major change, but there needs to be a distinction.
The question is, write it as it's said which can be annoying to some readers, or simply 'mention' that an accent is in use. Of course, the register will help identify a dialect. i.e. saying 'it's such a bother' compared to 'what a pain in the ass'. Same meaning, different words.
So how important is a dialect to a world, and do readers favor it or hate it? And should it be used, to what extent?
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Toys and Soldiers Series Production
The journey of this series into print, digitally and otherwise.
My goal for this series is to have an audiobook out by next year.
I know that self-publishing has a bad reputation to some, but with a lot ...more
My goal for this series is to have an audiobook out by next year.
I know that self-publishing has a bad reputation to some, but with a lot ...more
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That being said, dialects should be handled with care. Anyone who's read Huckleberry Finn knows that staying too true to a dialect can make for some tricky reading!