In addition to the distinctions discussed previously, different types of lects also echo the types of language varieties . Regional dialectA variety spoken in a particular region. . SociolectAlso known as asocial dialect, avariety of languageor register used by a socioeconomic class, a profession, an age Ver ms. To understand the meaning of language varieties, its important to consider how lects differ fromstandard English. Even what constitutes standard English is a topic of hot debate among linguists. Standard Englishis Ver ms. The worddialectwhich contains lect within the termderives from the Greek wordsdia- meaningacross, between andlegeinspeak.Adialectis a regional or socialvarietyof Ver ms. Jargonrefers to the specializedlanguageof a professional or occupational group. Such language is often meaningless to outsiders. American poetDavid Ver ms. Register is defined as theway a speaker uses language differently in different circumstances. Think about the words you choose, your tone of voice, even your
