Definition: The term "midland(dialect)" refers to a linguistic region that is generally considered distinct from other regions in the United States, with its own historical, cultural, and linguistic characteristics. ### Definition Midland dialects are groups of speakers of a specific regional language or dialect within the same country. They typically form communities based on shared cultural practices, social ties, and geographic location. The term "midland" refers to the landlocked region that is located in the southwestern United States, specifically in the western part of Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. ### Structure Midland dialects are typically divided into two main types: agricultural (or rural) and urban/industrial (or industrial). The agricultural midlands feature a more traditional speaking population with strong family ties and a focus on agriculture. Urban or industrial midlands have a higher population concentration and use of English as the primary language, though they may also include a small number of non-English-speaking speakers. ### Features Midland dialects often have unique pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, and grammatical structures that set them apart from other regions in the United States. For example: -

Pronunciation

: Midland dialects typically have more nasal consonant-like sounds over English vowels due to regional influences. -

Grammar Structure

: They may use a mix of inflection, morphology, and syntax differences from mainstream English, such as longer syllables for stress on final syllable or compound words. -

Vocabulary

: There is often a variety of vocabulary derived from everyday speech, not limited to the dialect's traditional elements. ### Regional Differences Midland dialects are often distinct from each other due to their regional location. For example, rural midlands tend to be more conservative and formal, while urban/industrial midlands are often more liberal or informal. In summary, a midland dialect is a linguistic region with its own unique characteristics, culture, and language, defined by the specific landlocked areas they inhabit within the United States.

midland(s) (dialect)