Vernacular vs. Colloquial: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on December 29, 2023
Vernacular refers to the language or dialect spoken by the ordinary people in a particular region or country, while colloquial describes informal or conversational language style, often used in casual settings.
Key Differences
Vernacular language is the everyday speech of a particular region, often distinct from the standard or official language. It includes regional dialects and expressions. Colloquial language, however, is characterized by informal or familiar conversation, often using slang or idiomatic expressions, and is not necessarily tied to a specific region.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
Vernacular reflects cultural and regional identities through language, often passed down through generations. It can include unique vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. Colloquial language, while informal, is more about the tone and casual nature of communication rather than the regional aspects.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
Vernacular is often used in literature and media to depict regional authenticity and cultural specificity. It helps in grounding characters and settings in a particular locale. Colloquial language, on the other hand, is used to convey a relaxed, informal conversational style, making dialogues more relatable and natural.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
Vernacular can sometimes be incomprehensible to those outside the region due to its unique linguistic features. It represents the linguistic identity of a community. In contrast, colloquial language, though informal, is generally more universally understood among speakers of the same language.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
While vernacular language is often tied to a specific place or community, colloquial language changes more with time than with location. Colloquialisms can become widely recognized and used, transcending their original regional confines.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Language specific to a region or community
Informal, casual language style
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Usage
Reflects regional culture and identity
Used in casual, informal conversations
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Dec 29, 2023
Characteristics
Regional dialects, unique vocabulary
Slang, idioms, informal expressions
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Changes Over
More stable, linked to cultural heritage
Evolves with social trends and usage
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Accessibility
May be challenging for outsiders
Generally understandable among language speakers
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Dec 29, 2023
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Vernacular and Colloquial Definitions
Vernacular
Native language or dialect of a specific population.
The novel was praised for its authentic vernacular dialogue.
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Dec 12, 2023
Colloquial
Informal or conversational style of speaking.
His writing is known for its colloquial tone.
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Dec 12, 2023
Vernacular
Everyday language spoken by ordinary people in a region.
He wrote his poems in the vernacular to reach a wider audience.
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Dec 12, 2023
Colloquial
Casual or familiar language used in informal settings.
His speeches are engaging due to his colloquial style.
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Dec 12, 2023
Vernacular
Non-standard, regional form of a language.
The play's use of vernacular made it particularly resonant with local audiences.
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Dec 12, 2023
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Colloquial
Everyday language featuring idioms and slang.
She captured the teenagers' voices with accurate colloquial language.
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Dec 12, 2023
Vernacular
Indigenous language distinct from the national language.
Folk songs are often composed in the vernacular.
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Dec 12, 2023
Colloquial
Language characterized by informal expressions.
The book's colloquial dialogue makes it a relatable read.
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Dec 12, 2023
Vernacular
The everyday language spoken by a people as distinguished from the literary language.
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Dec 10, 2023
Colloquial
Informal speech differing from formal or literary language.
The article uses colloquial terms to appeal to a younger audience.
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Dec 12, 2023
Vernacular
A variety of such everyday language specific to a social group or region
The vernaculars of New York City.
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Dec 10, 2023
Colloquial
Characteristic of or appropriate to the spoken language or to writing that seeks the effect of speech; informal.
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Dec 10, 2023
Vernacular
The specialized vocabulary of a particular trade, profession, or group
In the legal vernacular.
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Dec 10, 2023
Colloquial
(linguistics) Characteristic of familiar conversation, of common parlance; informal.
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Dec 10, 2023
Vernacular
Native to or commonly spoken by the members of a particular country or region.
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Dec 10, 2023
Vernacular
Using the native language of a region, especially as distinct from the literary language
A vernacular poet.
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Dec 10, 2023
Colloquial
Pertaining to, or used in, conversation, esp. common and familiar conversation; conversational; hence, unstudied; informal; as, colloquial intercourse; colloquial phrases; a colloquial style.
His [Johnson's] colloquial talents were, indeed, of the highest order.
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Dec 10, 2023
Vernacular
Of or being an indigenous building style using local materials and traditional methods of construction and ornament, especially as distinguished from academic or historical architectural styles.
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Colloquial
Characteristic of informal spoken language or conversation;
Wrote her letters in a colloquial style
The broken syntax and casual enunciation of conversational English
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Vernacular
Occurring or existing in a particular locality; endemic
A vernacular disease.
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Vernacular
Relating to or designating the common, nonscientific name of a biological species.
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Dec 10, 2023
Vernacular
The language of a people or a national language.
A vernacular of the United States is English.
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Dec 10, 2023
Vernacular
Everyday speech or dialect, including colloquialisms, as opposed to standard, literary, liturgical, or scientific idiom.
Street vernacular can be quite different from what is heard elsewhere.
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Dec 10, 2023
Vernacular
Language unique to a particular group of people.
For those of a certain age, hiphop vernacular might just as well be a foreign language.
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Dec 10, 2023
Vernacular
Indigenous spoken language, as distinct from a literary or liturgical language such as Ecclesiastical Latin.
Vatican II allowed the celebration of the mass in the vernacular.
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Dec 10, 2023
Vernacular
(architecture) A style of architecture involving local building materials and styles, not imported.
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Dec 10, 2023
Vernacular
Of or pertaining to everyday language, as opposed to standard, literary, liturgical, or scientific idiom.
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Dec 10, 2023
Vernacular
Belonging to the country of one's birth; one's own by birth or nature.
A vernacular disease
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Dec 10, 2023
Vernacular
(architecture) Of or related to local building materials and styles; not imported.
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Dec 10, 2023
Vernacular
Belonging to the country of one's birth; one's own by birth or nature; native; indigenous; - now used chiefly of language; as, English is our vernacular language.
His skill in the vernacular dialect of the Celtic tongue.
Which in our vernacular idiom may be thus interpreted.
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Dec 10, 2023
Vernacular
The vernacular language; one's mother tongue; often, the common forms of expression in a particular locality, opposed to literary or learned forms.
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Dec 10, 2023
Vernacular
A characteristic language of a particular group (as among thieves);
They don't speak our lingo
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Dec 10, 2023
Vernacular
The everyday speech of the people (as distinguished from literary language)
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Dec 10, 2023
Vernacular
Being or characteristic of or appropriate to everyday language;
Common parlance
A vernacular term
Vernacular speakers
The vulgar tongue of the masses
The technical and vulgar names for an animal species
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Dec 10, 2023
Vernacular
Language reflecting a community's cultural identity.
The vernacular expressions in her stories added a local flavor.
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Dec 12, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What does colloquial mean?
Colloquial refers to a casual, informal style of language, often used in conversation.
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Dec 29, 2023
How does vernacular language reflect culture?
Vernacular embodies regional cultural identities through unique expressions and vocabulary.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
Is vernacular language always a dialect?
Often, but it can also be a language distinct from the national or official language.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
Do colloquial expressions vary over time?
Yes, colloquial language evolves with social trends and popular usage.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
What is vernacular language?
Vernacular refers to the native language or dialect of a specific region or community.
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Dec 29, 2023
Can vernacular become an official language?
Yes, in some cases, vernacular languages have been recognized as official languages.
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Dec 29, 2023
Why is vernacular important in literature?
It adds authenticity and regional flavor, helping to depict characters and settings realistically.
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Dec 29, 2023
Can colloquial language be used in formal writing?
It's less common, but may be used for effect or to create a conversational tone.
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Dec 29, 2023
Can colloquial language include slang?
Yes, colloquial language often incorporates slang and idiomatic expressions.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
How do colloquialisms affect language comprehension?
They can make language more relatable but may confuse non-native speakers.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
Is colloquial language less formal than vernacular?
Colloquial language is informal, but vernacular can be formal or informal, depending on the context.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
Are colloquial terms accepted in formal documents?
Generally, they are avoided in formal writing.
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Dec 29, 2023
Can colloquial language be part of a vernacular?
Yes, colloquialisms can be a part of the vernacular speech of a region.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
Is vernacular language taught in schools?
This varies by region and educational policies.
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Dec 29, 2023
Can vernacular language be standardized?
Attempts can be made, but its regional variations often resist standardization.
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Dec 29, 2023
Why do people use colloquial language?
For ease, comfort, and to create a sense of familiarity in conversation.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
Can someone speak in a vernacular and colloquial style simultaneously?
Yes, vernacular speech can include colloquial expressions.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 29, 2023
Do translators face challenges with vernacular?
Yes, translating vernacular language can be challenging due to its cultural specificity.
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Dec 29, 2023
How do vernacular and colloquial languages enrich a language?
They add diversity, depth, and cultural richness to a language.
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Dec 29, 2023
Does vernacular language change across generations?
Yes, but usually at a slower pace compared to colloquial language.
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Dec 29, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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