The term “vernacular” originates from the Latin word “vernaculus,” which means “native” or “indigenous.” The root “verna” referred to a household slave born in the master’s house, suggesting something or someone that belongs naturally to a place or environment. Over time, the term evolved to describe the language or dialect spoken by the ordinary people in a particular region, as opposed to a formal or literary language. The transition from its original context to its modern linguistic application reflects a shift in focus from servitude to native familiarity, emphasizing the natural, unrefined, and everyday speech of a community.
Vernacular, as a literary device, denotes the use of everyday language spoken by people in a particular region or social group. Its inclusion in literary works often serves to create a sense of realism and authenticity, fostering a deeper connection between the reader and the characters or setting. By incorporating regional dialects, slang, or colloquialisms, authors can enrich character development, establish a distinct cultural milieu, and provide a window into the social dynamics and values of a specific community.
Types of Vernacular
Type of Vernacular
Example
Explanation
Regional Vernacular
Southern American English
Terms like “y’all” (you all) and “fixin’ to” (about to) reflect the speech patterns and cultural nuances of the American South.
Social Vernacular
African American Vernacular English (AAVE)
Includes unique grammatical structures and vocabulary such as “finna” (fixing to) and “aks” (ask), reflecting the identity and cultural heritage of African American communities.
Occupational Vernacular
Medical Jargon
Terms like “stat” (immediately) and “BP” (blood pressure) streamline communication among healthcare professionals, though they may be confusing to laypeople.
Cultural Vernacular
Internet Slang
Abbreviations like “LOL” (laugh out loud) and “BRB” (be right back) have developed among online communities to facilitate quick and informal communication.
Ethnic Vernacular
Spanglish
Combines elements of Spanish and English, such as “Voy al store” (I’m going to the store) and “parquear” (to park), reflecting the bilingual experience of many Hispanic Americans.
Features of Vernacular
Colloquialisms and Informal Expressions: Vernacular often incorporates casual expressions, slang, and idioms that are commonly used in everyday conversations. For example, phrases like “gonna” (going to), “wanna” (want to), or “ain’t” (am not) are examples of colloquialisms.
Regional Dialects and Accents: Vernacular reflects the unique linguistic patterns of specific regions or social groups. This can include variations in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar. For instance, the Southern American dialect might use “y’all” (you all) or pronounce “car” as “cah.”
Non-Standard Grammar: Vernacular may deviate from standard grammatical rules, employing constructions that are considered informal or incorrect in formal writing. An example could be the double negative, as in “I didn’t see nobody.”
Cultural References: Vernacular often incorporates references to cultural elements specific to a particular community, such as local customs, traditions, or popular figures. An example might be the use of “cheers” in British English as an informal way to say “thank you” or “goodbye.”
Emotional Expressiveness: Vernacular tends to be more emotionally charged and expressive than formal language, using interjections, exclamations, and intensifiers to convey strong feelings. Examples include phrases like “oh my gosh,” “wow,” or “totally.”
Vernacular: Examples in Everyday Life
Vernacular Example
Explanation
“Gonna”
Colloquial contraction of “going to,” used in informal speech.
“Wanna”
Colloquial contraction of “want to,” used in informal speech.
“Ain’t”
Non-standard contraction of “am not,” “is not,” “are not,” “has not,” or “have not,” used in informal speech.
“Y’all”
Southern American regional dialect for “you all.”
“Cah”
Southern American pronunciation of “car.”
“Cheers”
British English informal expression for “thank you” or “goodbye.”
“Eh”
Canadian English interjection used to confirm understanding or seek agreement.
” reckon”
British English colloquial expression for “think” or “believe.”
“wee”
Scottish English adjective for “small.”
“Mate”
Australian and British English informal term for “friend.”
Vernacular in Literature: Shakespearean Examples
The Merry Wives of Windsor: In this comedy, Shakespeare vividly portrays the regional dialect of Windsor through characters like Mistress Quickly, who uses colloquialisms like “fap” (drunk) and “gudgeon” (fool). This adds to the comedic effect and grounds the play in a specific locale.
Example: “By my troth, I was seeking for a gentleman, and found him sitting in the garret, a-weeping, like one that had been flogged.”
Romeo and Juliet: The Nurse’s speech is laden with vernacular, reflecting her lower social status and providing a contrast to the elevated language of the noble characters. This creates a dynamic interplay of language and class within the play.
Example: “Jesu, what haste? can you not stay awhile? Do you not see that I am out of breath?”
Henry IV, Part 1: Falstaff, a beloved comedic character, uses a rich tapestry of vernacular, including slang, insults, and bawdy humor. This not only makes him a memorable figure but also reflects the social environment of taverns and low-life characters.
Example: “Thou art so fat-witted, with drinking of old sack, and unbuttoning thee after supper, and sleeping upon benches after noon, that thou hast forgotten to demand that truly which thou wouldst truly know.”
Hamlet: Shakespeare employs a mix of formal and informal language in Hamlet, tailoring it to the characters’ social standing and emotional state. Hamlet’s soliloquies, for example, are more philosophical and introspective, while his conversations with gravediggers are peppered with colloquialisms and dark humor.
Example: (To the gravedigger) “How absolute the knave is! we must speak by the card, or equivocation will undo us.”
Vernacular in Literature: Examples
Work
Author
Vernacular Example
Explanation
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Mark Twain
“Get your duds on.”
“Duds” is a colloquial term for clothes, reflecting Huck’s Southern dialect and social class.
Their Eyes Were Watching God
Zora Neale Hurston
“You sho is a mess.”
“Sho” is a contraction of “sure,” common in African American Vernacular English.
The Catcher in the Rye
J.D. Salinger
“Phony”
A slang term for someone who is fake or insincere, reflecting Holden’s teenage angst and disillusionment.
Trainspotting
Irvine Welsh
“Choose life.”
Ironic use of a common phrase to highlight the characters’ rejection of mainstream values.
Pygmalion
George Bernard Shaw
“Garn!”
Cockney slang expression of disbelief or annoyance, used by Eliza Doolittle.
To Kill a Mockingbird
Harper Lee
“Hey, Boo.”
Scout’s informal greeting to the reclusive Boo Radley, highlighting their bond.
The Color Purple
Alice Walker
“Miss Celie’s sister.”
Use of “Miss” as a respectful title, reflecting Southern African American vernacular.
The Canterbury Tales
Geoffrey Chaucer
“Whan that Aprille…”
Middle English vernacular, showcasing the language’s evolution and regional diversity.
Vernacular in Literature: Relevance in Literary Theories
Marxist Criticism: Vernacular can be used to highlight class struggles and social inequalities. * Example: In “The Grapes of Wrath,” John Steinbeck employs the vernacular of the Dust Bowl migrants to expose their exploitation and marginalization by the wealthy landowners.
Feminist Criticism: Vernacular can reveal gendered language patterns and power dynamics. * Example: In “Their Eyes Were Watching God,” Zora Neale Hurston uses African American Vernacular English to explore the experiences and voice of Janie Crawford, a Black woman navigating patriarchal structures.
Postcolonial Criticism: Vernacular can challenge linguistic imperialism and assert cultural identity. * Example: In “Things Fall Apart,” Chinua Achebe incorporates Igbo language and proverbs to resist the imposition of English language and culture on Nigerian society.
Reader-Response Criticism: Vernacular can create a sense of intimacy and connection with the reader, enhancing personal interpretations. * Example: In “Trainspotting,” Irvine Welsh’s use of Scottish slang and dialect draws the reader into the world of the characters, making their experiences more visceral and relatable.
