The characteristics of a person's native language generally affects their proficiency in a second language.

Those whose second language is English will typically have different characteristics in phonemes, phonotactic rules and rhythmic patterns.

(Bauman-Waengler 2020)

• Dialect refers to any language variety shared by a group of speakers.

• Dialects include unique vocabulary, word forms, sentence structures, and prosodic patterns.

• The term "dialect" is neutral, without judgment of quality or correctness.

• This includes:

  • Regional Dialects

  • Ethnic Dialects

  • Social Dialects

(Bauman-Waengler 2020)