The function of a local dialect in a text

http://doi.org/10.26485/RKJ/2017/64/10

Abstract

The article discusses the functions of a local dialect in texts understood as written or spoken linguistic utterances which are written again and which fulfil a specific cultural pattern – an all-Polish pattern or a folk pattern. Following the conclusions of M. Rak, I assume that texts written in local dialects represent three functional styles: the colloquial, artistic and literary style. In each of those styles the local dialect performs a slightly different function. A local dialect is usually introduced into texts written in general Polish with a particular purpose, and it is always related to valuing the local dialect. In all types of texts the local dialect performs both intentional functions (those related to giving information and other purposes) and unintentional functions which are strictly correlated with the awareness (or its lack) of introducing the local dialect into the text.