Question

How do the writings of Mark Twain and Paul Lawrence Dunbar use regional dialect? Why did the writers choose to use this technique?

Answer 1

Using "regional dialect" means that they write or the characters talk in a specific style. For instance, using slang like y'all or ain't would be an example of a use of regional dialect.
Can you come up with a quote from the writings of Mark Twain or Paul Lawrence Dunbar that shows this kind of speech? @super_map

Answer 2

If you post it here I can help you come up with reasons why the writers would use this technique...

Answer 3

These are some examples of Mark Twain´s writing style:
"Man is a marvelous curiosity. When he is at his very, very best he is a sort of low grade nickel-plated angel; at his worst he is unspeakable, unimaginable; and first and last and all the time he is a sarcasm"
"Man is a marvelous curiosity. When he is at his very, very best he is a sort of low grade nickel-plated angel; at his worst he is unspeakable, unimaginable; and first and last and all the time he is a sarcasm"
And this is an example of Paul Lawrence Dumbar´s style:
Lay me down beneaf de willers in de grass,
Whah de branch 'll go a-singin' as it pass.
An' w'en I's a-layin' low,
I kin hyeah it as it go
Singin', 'Sleep, my honey, tek yo' res' at las'.'

Answer 4

Great job! If you use those examples or just explain the kinds of words and expressions they use, you're on the right track.
Now, why would a writer use that dialect?
1. It brings the reader into the culture of the piece. When you read Dunbar's work, you immediately know what culture he is representing, and it makes you feel more a part of it.
2. It's an instant way to build character. The way characters speak can make them very distinctive.
3. It makes the piece very authentic -- if you hear the way people really speak in that culture/situation, the piece seems more REAL.
Does that make sense, @super_map ?

Answer 5

yes! Thank you!

Answer 6

no problem :)

Answer 7

do you still need help?

Answer 8

well if you have something that you think might help me I will be glad to read it :)

Answer 9

They want the reader to be able to picture what life was like during the time period they write about.