Regional Dialects

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All languages are very varied and they come in many different regional and social varieties. There is no variety of the language is linguistically superior to any other. In many countries there is one standard language, however people may speak differently depending on area they live. The variety of the languages within the same country can be so different, that even native speakers may have difficulties understanding each other.
Moreover the attitudes to regional dialects and accents are frequently quite specific; therefore some of the varieties have greater prestige than others. One of significant features of the attitude to different dialects is the distinction between rural and urban areas. Interesting that the dialects actually can be …show more content…

For example in 1983 Trundgill investigates the perception of British accents, as they perceived by non-native/native speakers. As a result the Birmingham accent is widely perceived by native speakers as ugly and has low prestige; but this appears to be due more to its association with a major industrial city than to any intrinsic sound qualities. (Tessa Carrol, p.193). In contrast, accent from Scottish Highlands receive very positive evaluation because of their association with beautiful scenery (ibid.: 218-219). It seems such judgments result from social and cultural norms rather than any inherent/intrinsic aesthetic or other qualities of the language. (ibid.: 211)>
Quite similar stereotypes exist in Japan. For example the Kyoto (Kansai area) dialect has seen as being more beautiful, gentle and refined than Tokyo (Kanto area) or standard Japanese speech. For more than thousand years Kyoto was a capital of Japan (794-1869), home of royal family and society for over thousand years (794-1869); therefore it’s the birthplace of many of Japan’s traditions and cultural …show more content…

The old capitals of Japan were in Kansai area well known for it’s rich cultural heritage from ancient time. Therefore, I think the Kansai dialect is considered to be a most significant/ “powerful” historically and culturally. Kansai people are proud of their cultural and linguistic diversity; and they hold traditional features of the dialect. For example both Osaka and Kyoto dialects have their own ancient traditional polite styles, which are different from standard Kansai area dialects (Senba and Gion accordingly). However, Senba and Gion are mainly used by older generation or on local business

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