How do I use the word vernacular?

The word “vernacular” refers to the language or dialect spoken by the ordinary people in a particular country or region. It is the everyday language used by common folk for communication, in contrast to more formal or literary language. Knowing how to properly use vernacular terms and phrases can help you connect better with certain audiences and add color to your writing. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the definition and usage of vernacular, its history and origins, provide examples in sentences, and tips for using it appropriately in your own writing. Read on to become a vernacular vocabulary master!

What Does Vernacular Mean?

The word “vernacular” comes from the Latin term “vernaculus”, meaning domestic, native, or indigenous. In linguistics, vernacular refers to the common, everyday language spoken by the people of a specific country or locality. Some key things to know about vernacular:

– It is the native language or mother tongue of a place, acquired as a first language. For example, Burmese is the vernacular of Myanmar.

– It is the informal language used in everyday conversation in a particular region or community. It is often contrasted with more formal languages like the official language of a country or literature.

– It is often associated with a lower or middle class sociolect, rather than the elite or upper class. However, some regions have their own unique aristocratic vernacular.

– It is usually spoken rather than written, but some vernacular dialects have a written literature and established orthographic norms.

– Vernacular language often changes over time and varies by geography, developing local dialects, idioms, and slang. For example, the English vernacular spoken in Scotland is very different from the vernacular spoken in Louisiana.

– It is the language variety acquired in childhood. A first language learned from birth is always the vernacular.

So in summary, vernacular is everyday native speech of a particular place that people learn as children. It frequently has local quirks not found in the official standardized language.

Origins and History

The word vernacular has its roots in the Latin term “vernaculus”, formed from “vernacae” meaning “native slave” or “home-born slave”. In Ancient Rome, vernaculi referred to slaves born in their masters’ household, who spoke the informal language of the family home as their native tongue, rather than the more formal Latin language used for business and literature.

This idea of a native household language later extended to mean the native language or mother tongue of any local area or country, especially the informal everyday speech of the common people. The first records of the word vernacular in English date back to the 16th century. At this time, the term referred to the common native speech of a region, which derived from Latin but had distinct vocabulary and grammar from Classical Latin. For example, during the Renaissance, vernacular might refer to forms of Spanish, French or Italian that diverged from Latin.

In the 18th century, vernacular took on connotations of an inferior, less cultured mode of speech. The upper classes often dismissed vernacular dialects as crude or backward. But the 19th century saw rising nationalist sentiment validate the expressiveness and cultural importance of indigenous vernacular tongues. Modern linguistics recognizes vernacular varieties as complex systems deserving preservation and study.

So while vernacular often just referred to domestic common language, its meaning expanded to cover regional modes of speech often viewed as distinct from elite literary cultures. Today vernacular varieties receive more appreciation, as vital carriers of local identity and heritage.

Characteristics of Vernacular Language

Vernacular language has some defining features that set it apart from official or literary language varieties. Here are some of the key characteristics:

Informality – Vernacular language tends to be informal and conversational. It is used in casual, everyday speech between families and friends rather than formal contexts.

Directness – Vernacular speech is relatively unpretentious and direct. It may feature more slang, expletives and plain language than formal writing.

Localized Flavor – Vernacular language gains much character from local dialects and accents. It adapts to regional vocabulary, jargon, idioms and pronunciations.

Fluidity – The vernacular evolves continually based on changing living speech. Vernacular usage avoids strict rules and may bend or break conventions.

Simplified Grammar – The grammar of vernacular dialects is often stripped down and pragmatic, with flexible sentence structure. The focus is on ease of oral communication.

Universal Acquisition – The vernacular is learned “organically” as a first language from parents and the surrounding speech community. Formal education is not required.

Stereotyping – Vernacular varieties may be stereotyped as uneducated or improper. But linguistic research shows all vernaculars carry great cultural value.

So in summary, vernacular language tends to be informal, expressive, dynamic, localized, and acquired in childhood. It gains character from regional flavor rather than prescriptive rules.

Examples of Vernacular in Use

Let’s take a look at some examples of vernacular from different places and times:

These examples highlight how vernacular language gains vibrant character from regional pronunciations, idioms, sentence structure and vocabulary. The way locals informally speak reveals a unique local heritage and identity.

Early Vernacular Literature Examples

While vernacular language was originally mainly spoken, some of the earliest literary writings used vernacular forms rather than scholarly Latin. Here are some noteworthy early vernacular works:

The Cantar de Mio Cid – This Spanish epic poem written in Old Spanish dates back to the 12th century, telling the story of the hero El Cid. It is considered one of the oldest vernacular verse documents in the Iberian Peninsula.

The Decameron – This 14th century book by Boccaccio pioneered early Italian prose using Tuscan vernacular, helping establish the Tuscan dialect as the basis for the Italian language.

The Divine Comedy – Dante wrote this epic 14th century poem in Florentine vernacular, using vivid Italian with Latin, instead of scholarly Latin. It helped validate the expressiveness of medieval vernacular languages.

Piers Plowman – William Langland wrote this 14th century allegorical narrative poem in Middle English vernacular. It gives fascinating insights into the medieval English vernacular used by commoners.

So pioneering medieval writers like Dante and Chaucer helped lend legitimacy and creativity to using locally spoken vernacular languages in literature, instead of just formal Latin.

Proper Usage of Vernacular

Vernacular words and expressions can add regional flair and informal vividness to both speech and writing. However, it must be used judiciously, keeping the audience and setting in mind. Here are some tips for using vernacular appropriately:

– Use vernacular dialect sparingly in formal academic or business writing to avoid sounding unprofessional. Reserve it for informal contexts.

– When using vernacular in literature, be consistent in portraying pronunciations and dialect accurately based on research of the specific region.

– Explain any vernacular terms unlikely to be understood by the audience. For example, translate Spanish vernacular for English readers unfamiliar with it.

– Use vernacular with caution when addressing audiences of vastly different local dialects to avoid confusion or alienation.

– Remember that dialects carry history and identity. Avoid mocking or belittling vernacular varieties.

– Vernacular conveys the informal vitality of living regional speech. Use it to thoughtfully add local color, not to stereotype or parody.

The key is using vernacular purposefully, not inappropriately or haphazardly. Research usage in context and judiciously pick expressions likely to resonate with your audience.

Conclusion

Vernacular language provides a fascinating window into local dialects, history and culture. Mastering vernacular vocabulary and usage helps you better appreciate the colorful varieties of regional speech. With mindful use, vernacular terms can add relatable expressiveness to both writing and speaking. But always keep the audience in mind and use discretion to avoid miscommunications or unfair stereotyping. Remember, informal is not the same as inappropriate. By learning the nuances of vernacular language in context, we gain an enriched appreciation for the diversity, creativity and continuous evolution of living human speech.