NYSTCE English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Practice Test

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What are language variations specific to a particular region or social group referred to as?

Idioms
Dialect
Slang
Syntax

The correct answer is: Dialect

Language variations specific to a particular region or social group are referred to as dialects. A dialect encompasses unique vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation patterns that distinguish one group of speakers from another. It reflects the cultural and historical influences of a particular community or geographic area. For instance, people from different regions may speak the same language but use different terms for everyday objects or possess distinctive pronunciations. This regional variation showcases the adaptability of language and the way it evolves in different social contexts. In contrast, idioms are expressions whose meanings are not easily deducible from their individual words; slang consists of informal, often youthful language that can change rapidly; and syntax refers to the rules and structure governing the order of words in sentences. Each of these terms describes specific features of language but does not capture the broader, community-based variations that dialect includes.