The definition of the word “dialect” is often confused and misused, especially when it comes to Indigenous languages.
Unfortunately, Indigenous languages tend to be inaccurately referred to as “dialects.” This usually leads to misconceptions about them and can have serious implications, particularly in contexts like healthcare and legal services, where accurate, culturally sensitive language access depends on being aware of linguistic differences.
What, then, is the true definition of a “dialect”, and why is it important to understand the difference? Let's dive in!
What are the definitions of “language” and “dialect”?
A language is a set system of symbols and meanings that follow grammatical rules that people use to communicate. These systems can be spoken, written, or signed. Some languages don’t have a written form, while others exist only in written form because they are no longer spoken. A language doesn't need a widely used or developed writing system to be considered a language. The number of speakers has no bearing as to whether a system of communication is considered a language. That means a language with only five total speakers is just as much of a language as one with five million speakers.
A dialect is a variation within a specific language, usually based on geographic regional differences. Dialects form as regional or social variations of a language over time. While dialects of a language will usually follow most of that language's rules, they may have differences in accent, vocabulary, or even syntax and grammatical rules and often have a spectrum of mutual intelligibility, meaning that speakers of different dialects of a language may be able to understand each other most of the time, some of the time, or not very well, depending on the dialect.
For English, some of the most easily identifiable dialects would be American English, British English, and Australian English. In many cases, English speakers from the U.S. and England can communicate without issue, even though words, pronunciation, and even grammar have changed.
An easy example of a linguistic difference between the American and British dialects of the English language would be the word “pants”. The word "pants" exists in American and British English, however, it has a different meaning in each region. In England “pants” refers to undergarments whereas “trousers” refers to what we in America would call “pants.” In summary, speakers of British and American English can easily communicate, albeit with just a few misunderstandings.
In theory, the word “dialect” should only be used when speaking about a specific dialect of a language. However, Indigenous languages have, unfortunately, become incorrectly identified or labeled simply as “dialects.” This misnomer comes from a lack of understanding about the definition of dialect and from a socio politically charged environment where speakers of dominant languages have historically tended to view non-dominant languages as somehow inferior, less developed, etc. Thus, it has become commonplace for speakers of more dominant languages to inferiorize other non-dominant languages by calling them “dialects”.
Sadly, even speakers of Indigenous languages often don’t consider their language to be an actual language, but rather “just a dialect”, which often causes insufficient interpretation to be provided in healthcare, legal, and educational settings. For example, when speakers of Indigenous languages from Latin America are asked (in Spanish) “what language do you speak best?”, they will often answer “Spanish”, and completely leave out their Indigenous language, likely because they themselves don’t associate their language as being on the same level or in the same category as another language like Spanish or English. Many times they will say things like “The only language I speak is Spanish, but I also speak my dialect.” We need to gently and appropriately help speakers of Indigenous languages to start associating their languages as being languages. One great way to do this would be to ask “what language (singular) do you speak?” and asking instead “what languages (plural) do you speak, for example - Spanish, Mam, Q’eqchi’, etc.?” By allowing this space for individuals to see languages being grouped together and treated equally, it may help them to begin to undo the negative stigma that has been forced upon their languages for generations.
As providers of services in healthcare, legal settings, and education, classifying Indigenous languages as “dialects” is not only incorrect, but doing so can also have serious unintended consequences. For example, calling Mayan languages “dialects” reinforces, or may lead people to believe the idea they are simply dialects of Spanish (meaning that they are related or similar enough that a Spanish interpreter could get by) when, in reality, they are completely linguistically different.
Why does this matter? Consider a case where an Indigenous person from Central America needs an interpreter for a doctor’s appointment. If the staff at the clinic believes Mayan languages are dialects of Spanish, they may provide a Spanish interpreter rather than one that speaks that person's native language, incorrectly assuming that Spanish is similar enough to the language, or is the best option. This can have serious, even fatal consequences.
Ultimately, how we perceive languages has a major effect on the provision of language services and accessibility.
Removing The Word Dialect From Our Vocabulary
Once we reframe our understanding to recognize Indigenous languages as languages and that they should not be referred to as "dialects," we must also acknowledge that within Indigenous languages there can often be regional variations. K'iche', for example, has multiple variants. Some are mutually intelligible, while others are so distinct that speakers of different variants may not understand each other because of differences in accents and vocabulary. Mexican Indigenous languages also have many regional variations. While there are 63 officially recognized Indigenous languages in Mexico, there are over 350 identified variants.
In order to avoid all confusion, and to promote the most accurate and correct perspectives, we recommend removing the word “dialect” from our vocabulary completely. When we need to talk about a specific regional variety of a language, we recommend simply using the term “variant.” So, here’s some examples: “The Ixil language has several distinct variants from Chajul, Nebaj, and San Juan Cotzal”; “The patient speaks the San Sebastian Coatan variant of the Chuj language”; I need the variant of Mixteco from Rio Grande, Ayutla de los Libres, Guerrero.”
Mislabeling Indigenous languages as "dialects" can undermine the quality and attention their speakers receive. Courts, healthcare systems, school districts, and other organizations serving Indigenous populations cannot fully provide culturally and linguistically appropriate language access for Indigenous languages unless they view them as languages, not "just dialects."
Maya Bridge - A Leading Advocate For Latin American Indigenous Language Access In The U.S.
Since 2021, Maya Bridge Language Services has been advocating for increased access for speakers of Mayan and other Latin American and global Indigenous languages here in the United States. Maya Bridge is a mission-driven, niche interpretation agency offering 24/7 on-demand services for over 80 Indigenous languages encompassing hundreds of variants from Latin America, as well as African, Asian, Pacific Island, Native American, and other Indigenous languages.
We have worked diligently to mobilize, train, and evaluate a network of hundreds of interpreters both in the U.S. and throughout the world to ensure that speakers of Indigenous languages can fully understand and be understood in important situations like healthcare, legal settings, in disaster and emergency response scenarios, and in receiving access to government programs.
Contact us to schedule a meeting or call us anytime, day or night, at (801) 753-8568.
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