Dialectalize

/daɪəˈlɛktəlaɪz/ verb

Definition

To make something dialectal; to alter language or express something in a dialectal form or manner.

Etymology

From 'dialectal' + '-ize' (to make or become), creating a verb meaning to convert into or express in dialectal language. A back-formation from dialectal.

Kelly Says

When writers dialectalize their characters' speech—giving them regional accents and local slang—they're using language as a tool to show where people come from without saying it explicitly.

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