Here's a breakdown of these terms:
* Regional dialect: This refers to the language spoken in a particular region, including its unique vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar. It's often considered a broader term encompassing all aspects of language variation within a region.
* Regionalism: This specifically refers to words or phrases that are unique to a particular region. These words might have different meanings in other areas, or they might not be understood at all.
* Regional vocabulary: This term emphasizes the specific words and expressions used in a region, without necessarily focusing on pronunciation or grammar.
Examples of regionalisms:
* "Y'all" (Southern US)
* "Pop" (soda in the Northeast US, "coke" in the South)
* "Hoagie" (submarine sandwich in Philadelphia)
* "Loaf" (bread in the Midwest, "bread" in other areas)
Why is regional vocabulary important?
* Understanding local culture: Regional vocabulary reflects the history, traditions, and experiences of a particular place.
* Communicating effectively: Understanding local dialect can help you communicate more effectively with people from that region.
* Preserving language diversity: Regional vocabulary contributes to the richness and diversity of language.
Note: It's important to remember that regional language is constantly evolving. New words and phrases are constantly being invented, and old ones are being lost. This makes it difficult to create a definitive list of regional vocabulary, but it also makes it a fascinating and ever-changing aspect of language.