Studying the different forms of the dead language that were spoken in different regions or social classes.
Historical context: Understanding the historical context in which a dead language was spoken can provide insight into the culture, social structures, and political factors that influenced the development of dialects within the language.
Linguistics: Knowledge of basic linguistic concepts such as phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics help to understand dead languages.
Phonetics: Understanding phonetics is crucial when studying dialects, which comprises how sounds are produced, transmitted, and perceived, can help to distinguish dialects from one another.
Phonology: Phonology is the study of how sounds function within a language, such as pronunciation patterns, accent marks, and grammatical properties.
Morphology: Morphology is the study of the internal structure of words and how they are formed through morphemes. This topic is also vital when investigating the vocabulary and grammatical structures of dead languages.
Syntax: Syntax refers to the way words are arranged in a sentence, such as word order and agreement, can often provide insight into the dialects of a dead language.
Semantics: Semantics refers to the meaning behind words and how they relate to each other. Understanding semantics can help understand the use of particular words and their significance to different dialects.
Dialectology: Dialectology is a study of dialects that involves analyzing the variations between different regions, social groups, and socio-economic classes. This understanding is essential when studying dialects in dead languages.
Phonetic transcription: Phonetic transcription refers to the study of how words are pronounced, which can help provide insight into the formation and origins of different dialects within a dead language.
Literature: Literature in a dead language offers a wealth of information about dialects, vocabulary, grammar, and culture of the language.
Language change: Understanding how languages change over time can help explain why dialects within a dead language have emerged and evolved.
Comparative language study: Comparative language study involves analyzing similarities and differences between different languages in terms of vocabulary, grammar, and style, which can be useful when studying dialects within dead languages.
Regional dialects: These refer to variations in language that are specific to a geographical region. For example, Australian English.
Sociolects: These refer to variations in language that are specific to a social group. For example, the language used by teenagers in urban areas.
Ethnolects: These refer to variations in language that are specific to a particular ethnic group. For example, African American Vernacular English (AAVE).
Idiolects: These refer to variations in language that are specific to an individual speaker. For example, the unique ways in which a person pronounces certain words or phrases.
Standard dialects: These are the most commonly used forms of a language, and are often considered the most "correct" or "proper" way to speak.
Creole dialects: These are languages that have developed as a result of the mixing of different languages, often in colonial situations.
Pidgin dialects: These are simplified versions of a language that develop when people who do not share a common language come into contact.
Artificial dialects: These are dialects that have been intentionally created for a specific purpose, such as in science fiction or fantasy novels.
Historical dialects: These are dialects that are no longer spoken, but have been preserved in written texts or recordings.
Extinct dialects: These are dialects that are no longer spoken, and have not been preserved in any form.