vernacular
Meaning: The language or dialect spoken by ordinary people in a particular country or region; in architecture, a style using local materials and traditional building methods.
Vernacular contrasts with formal, literary, or official language. Writing in the vernacular means using everyday speech rather than elevated or classical language — Chaucer's decision to write in English rather than Latin was a landmark moment in the development of vernacular literature. In architecture, vernacular buildings are designed using local traditions and materials rather than formal architectural styles. The term is also used more broadly to mean the characteristic language of a particular group.
Examples
- The poet chose to write in the Scottish vernacular, capturing the rhythms and idioms of everyday speech. 这位诗人选择用苏格兰方言写作,捕捉日常口语的韵律和习语。El poeta optó por escribir en el vernáculo escocés, captando los ritmos y modismos del habla cotidiana.その詩人はスコットランドの方言で書くことを選び、日常会話のリズムと慣用表現を捉えた。그 시인은 스코틀랜드 방언으로 쓰는 것을 선택하여 일상 대화의 리듬과 관용 표현을 포착했다.
- Vernacular architecture in the Cotswolds is characterised by the use of local honey-coloured limestone. 科茨沃尔德地区的方言建筑以使用当地蜜色石灰岩为特征。La arquitectura vernácula de los Cotswolds se caracteriza por el empleo de la piedra caliza local de color miel.コッツウォルズのヴァナキュラー建築は、地元産の蜂蜜色の石灰岩の使用を特徴としている。코츠월즈의 토속 건축은 지역산 꿀빛 석회암의 사용을 특징으로 한다.
- The report was criticised for using technical jargon rather than plain vernacular that the public could understand. 该报告因使用专业术语而非公众能理解的通俗语言而受到批评。El informe fue criticado por emplear jerga técnica en lugar de un lenguaje llano y accesible para el público.その報告書は、一般市民が理解できる平易な言葉ではなく専門用語を使っていると批判された。그 보고서는 일반 시민이 이해할 수 있는 평이한 말이 아니라 전문 용어를 사용했다는 비판을 받았다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, professional
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin vernaculus (domestic, native), from verna (a home-born slave). Entered English in the 17th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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