Accent

The pronunciation of words (the way a person sounds when they are speaking), e.g. a cockney accent is used by most of the characters in EastEnders.  Accent can be conveyed through the use of non-standard spelling, e.g. ‘ah wunder’d where tha’d bin’ (a Yorkshire accent).  Used to show where a character is from and to indicate something about his/her way of life.

Colloquialism

Informal language with familiar modes of speech as opposed to a formal use of language – a colloquial use of language.  Think about why the text uses this kind of informality – is it to attract a younger audience, reduce the seriousness of the situation, trying to create a relaxed style?

Dialect

The vocabulary and grammar that speakers use.  Regional dialects differ from the Standard English dialect. Each dialect has its own special words and ways of using grammar.  Used to show which social group a character belongs to.  A writer might give characters different dialects to show that they are from different social groups, and to create a sharper contrast.

Elision

Running a word into others, e.g. ‘fish ‘n’ chips’. Used to suggest spontaneous speech and informal language.

Ellipsis

The omission of a part of a sentence that can be understood from the context.  Ellipsis can create suspense or avoid unnecessary repetition.

Idiolect

Style of speech peculiar to an individual character.  Some well-known idiomatic catchphrases include: ‘doh!’, ‘My arse’ and Nice to see you, to see you, nice’.  See accent and dialect.

Idiom

A phrase used in a set way (cultural understanding of them going together – agreed meaning). E.g. ‘It’s raining cats and dogs’, ‘kick the bucket’, ‘put your foot in it’.  These create a simplistic and informal tone and make the language seem conversational.