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"If I can understand it, it's English. If they tell me it's English and I can't understand it, it's not!"Making detailed reference to two or more varieties, discuss whether this is an adequate description of the distinction between language and dialect
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"If I can understand it, it's English. If they tell me it's English and I can't understand it, it's not!" Making detailed reference to two or more varieties, discuss whether this is an adequate description of the distinction between language and dialect. My immediate reaction to this description was that it appeared somewhat naïve, as distinguishing language and dialect is not simply a case of the ability to understand a particular spoken variety. The description helps to distinguish language and dialect on the basis of mutual intelligibility. There is, however, no clear-cut definition, therefore no method of definition will be completely adequate. There are always exceptions to any rule. It is necessary to look into further detail at other languages and dialects, comparing them according to their lexis, grammar and syntax. I have looked at African American Vernacular English (A.A.V.E) to illustrate how the description could be considered as an adequate distinction between language...
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