* What counts as a dialect? There's no universally agreed-upon definition. Some might focus on pronunciation, others on vocabulary, grammar, or even cultural aspects.
* Dialects are fluid and interconnected. They blend and shift over time and space.
* Dialects exist on a spectrum. It's not a clear-cut "either/or" situation. Some dialects are very distinct, while others share many features with neighboring varieties.
However, linguists estimate there are hundreds of different dialects spoken in the US.
Some common regional dialect groups include:
* New England
* Mid-Atlantic
* Southern
* Midwestern
* West Coast
Within these groups, there are even more specific dialects. For example, the South has several distinct dialects, such as Appalachian, Coastal Southern, and Texas English.
Instead of focusing on a specific number, it's more useful to think about the diversity of dialects in the US and how they reflect the country's history and culture.