Colloquial vs. Vernacular — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 15, 2024
Colloquial language refers to informal or conversational speech, while vernacular language encompasses the everyday language spoken by a particular group or region.
Difference Between Colloquial and Vernacular
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Colloquial language is characterized by informal expressions, slang, and phrases that are often used in casual conversation rather than in formal speech or writing. It includes idioms, contractions, and figures of speech that are familiar within a specific language or group. Whereas vernacular language refers to the native language or dialect of a specific population, encompassing not just informal speech but all elements of the language as spoken daily by the general populace. This includes slang, dialectal variations, and regionalisms that are intrinsic to the everyday communication of a community.
While colloquial language can vary widely within the same language depending on social groups or contexts, vernacular language is more deeply tied to geographical regions and cultural identities. Colloquial expressions may change rapidly with trends and fashions in language, reflecting the dynamic and fluid nature of informal speech. On the other hand, vernacular language evolves over longer periods and is more stable, serving as a marker of cultural and regional identity.
Colloquialisms are part of vernacular language, but not all vernacular expressions are considered colloquial. For instance, a technical term used commonly in a local dialect would be part of the vernacular but not necessarily colloquial if it's used in formal contexts within that community. This distinction highlights how colloquial language focuses on the level of formality, while vernacular language emphasizes linguistic characteristics unique to a particular group.
The use of colloquial language can make communication more relatable and accessible in informal settings, bridging social distances between speakers. Vernacular language, with its deep cultural and regional roots, can convey a strong sense of identity and belonging. It reflects the historical, social, and cultural fabric of a community, often carrying with it the traditions and values unique to that group.
Both colloquial and vernacular languages play crucial roles in the development of literature, where authors may choose one over the other to achieve a certain tone, reflect a character's background, or convey authenticity. While colloquial language might be used to create a casual, contemporary voice, vernacular language can provide rich context and depth, grounding a story in a specific time or place.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Informal speech used in casual conversation
Native language/dialect of a specific population
Focus
Level of formality
Linguistic characteristics of a community
Variability
High, changes with trends
Lower, evolves over longer periods
Cultural/Regional Ties
Less pronounced
Strong, reflects community identity
Examples
Idioms, slang, contractions
Local dialects, regionalisms, slang
Usage in Literature
Creates a casual, contemporary voice
Grounds a story in a specific time/place
Compare with Definitions
Colloquial
Informal words or expressions not usually acceptable in formal writing.
The phrase out of whack is a colloquial expression meaning not functioning properly.
Vernacular
Native language as opposed to literary or cultivated forms.
Scholars studied the vernacular to understand the region's cultural history.
Colloquial
Language used in ordinary or familiar conversation; not formal or literary.
Gonna is a colloquial way of saying going to.
Vernacular
Reflecting regional speech or dialect, including specific linguistic patterns.
The poet's use of vernacular made her work deeply resonant with local readers.
Colloquial
Characterized by the use of slang or informalities.
He spoke in a colloquial style that was easy to understand.
Vernacular
The language or dialect spoken by the ordinary people in a particular country or region.
The novel was written in the vernacular of rural Texas.
Colloquial
Often used to establish an informal tone or convey casual conversation.
The writer used colloquial language to create a conversational tone in the narrative
Vernacular
Encompasses all elements of the language as used daily by the general populace.
The documentary captured the rich vernacular of the city's streets.
Colloquial
Reflecting everyday speech, including idiomatic expressions.
Her colloquial speech was filled with colorful local idioms.
Vernacular
Tied to cultural identity and regional characteristics.
Teaching in the vernacular helps preserve cultural heritage and identity.
Colloquial
(of language) used in ordinary or familiar conversation; not formal or literary
Colloquial and everyday language
Colloquial phrases
Vernacular
A vernacular or vernacular language refers to the language or dialect that is spoken by people that are inhabiting a particular country or region. The vernacular is typically the native language, normally spoken informally rather than written, and seen as of lower status than more codified forms.
Colloquial
Characteristic of or appropriate to the spoken language or to writing that seeks the effect of speech; informal.
Vernacular
The language or dialect spoken by the ordinary people in a particular country or region
He wrote in the vernacular to reach a larger audience
Colloquial
Relating to conversation; conversational.
Vernacular
Architecture concerned with domestic and functional rather than public or monumental buildings
Buildings in which Gothic merged into farmhouse vernacular
Colloquial
(linguistics) Characteristic of familiar conversation, of common parlance; informal.
Vernacular
(of language) spoken as one's mother tongue; not learned or imposed as a second language.
Colloquial
Of or pertaining to a conversation; conversational or chatty.
Vernacular
(of architecture) concerned with domestic and functional rather than public or monumental buildings
Vernacular buildings
Colloquial
A colloquial word or phrase, colloquialism
Vernacular
The everyday language spoken by a people as distinguished from the literary language.
Colloquial
Pertaining to, or used in, conversation, esp. common and familiar conversation; conversational; hence, unstudied; informal; as, colloquial intercourse; colloquial phrases; a colloquial style.
His [Johnson's] colloquial talents were, indeed, of the highest order.
Vernacular
A variety of such everyday language specific to a social group or region
The vernaculars of New York City.
Colloquial
Characteristic of informal spoken language or conversation;
Wrote her letters in a colloquial style
The broken syntax and casual enunciation of conversational English
Vernacular
The specialized vocabulary of a particular trade, profession, or group
In the legal vernacular.
Vernacular
The common, nonscientific name of a plant or animal.
Vernacular
Native to or commonly spoken by the members of a particular country or region.
Vernacular
Using the native language of a region, especially as distinct from the literary language
A vernacular poet.
Vernacular
Relating to or expressed in the native language or dialect.
Vernacular
Of or being an indigenous building style using local materials and traditional methods of construction and ornament, especially as distinguished from academic or historical architectural styles.
Vernacular
Occurring or existing in a particular locality; endemic
A vernacular disease.
Vernacular
Relating to or designating the common, nonscientific name of a biological species.
Vernacular
The language of a people or a national language.
A vernacular of the United States is English.
Vernacular
Everyday speech or dialect, including colloquialisms, as opposed to standard, literary, liturgical, or scientific idiom.
Street vernacular can be quite different from what is heard elsewhere.
Vernacular
Language unique to a particular group of people.
For those of a certain age, hiphop vernacular might just as well be a foreign language.
Vernacular
A language lacking standardization or a written form.
Vernacular
Indigenous spoken language, as distinct from a literary or liturgical language such as Ecclesiastical Latin.
Vatican II allowed the celebration of the mass in the vernacular.
Vernacular
(architecture) A style of architecture involving local building materials and styles, not imported.
Vernacular
Of or pertaining to everyday language, as opposed to standard, literary, liturgical, or scientific idiom.
Vernacular
Belonging to the country of one's birth; one's own by birth or nature.
A vernacular disease
Vernacular
(architecture) Of or related to local building materials and styles; not imported.
Vernacular
(art) Connected to a collective memory; not imported.
Vernacular
Belonging to the country of one's birth; one's own by birth or nature; native; indigenous; - now used chiefly of language; as, English is our vernacular language.
His skill in the vernacular dialect of the Celtic tongue.
Which in our vernacular idiom may be thus interpreted.
Vernacular
The vernacular language; one's mother tongue; often, the common forms of expression in a particular locality, opposed to literary or learned forms.
Vernacular
A characteristic language of a particular group (as among thieves);
They don't speak our lingo
Vernacular
The everyday speech of the people (as distinguished from literary language)
Vernacular
Being or characteristic of or appropriate to everyday language;
Common parlance
A vernacular term
Vernacular speakers
The vulgar tongue of the masses
The technical and vulgar names for an animal species
Common Curiosities
What is the main difference between colloquial and vernacular language?
The main difference lies in their scope: colloquial language refers to informal speech, while vernacular language is the everyday language of a particular region or group.
Why is vernacular language important?
Vernacular language is important because it reflects the historical, social, and cultural fabric of a community, carrying traditions and values unique to that group.
Can a phrase be both colloquial and vernacular?
Yes, a phrase can be both if it is used informally within a specific regional or cultural community.
Is colloquial language considered inappropriate in formal contexts?
Generally, yes, because colloquial language includes slang and informal expressions not usually accepted in formal writing or speech.
Do all languages have colloquial and vernacular forms?
Yes, all languages have both colloquial and vernacular forms, varying widely across different communities and regions.
How does colloquial language affect communication?
Colloquial language makes communication more relatable and accessible in informal settings, reducing social distances between speakers.
Can learning vernacular language be beneficial for language learners?
Learning the vernacular can offer deep insights into the cultural and social nuances of a language, enhancing communication skills and cultural understanding.
How can one distinguish between colloquial and vernacular language in practice?
By observing the context: colloquial language is identified by its informality and use in casual conversation, while vernacular language is recognized by its regional or cultural specificity.
Can the use of vernacular language in literature be challenging?
Yes, it can be challenging for readers unfamiliar with the specific regional or cultural context, but it adds depth and authenticity to the narrative.
How do colloquial and vernacular languages evolve?
Colloquial language evolves quickly with societal trends, while vernacular language changes more slowly, reflecting long-term cultural and regional developments.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
