Here's why:
* Regional Variation is Key: Dialects are primarily defined by regional differences in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar.
* Beyond Region: While regional variation is the most common, dialects can also be associated with:
* Social Groups: For example, "African American Vernacular English" is associated with a particular cultural and ethnic group.
* Occupations: Certain professions develop specialized vocabulary and speech patterns.
* Age Groups: Younger generations might use slang or pronunciation that differs from older generations.
In conclusion: While regional differences are the most common factor in dialects, it's important to remember that other social and cultural factors can also contribute to the development of distinct speech patterns.