AP Notes 77-79

Question 1

VERNACULAR

Answer 1

Vernacular is a literary genre that uses daily used language in writing and
speaking. It is different from written works, as they normally follow the formal variety of
language. The word “vernacular” refers to writing or speaking of the public. We find the origin
of vernacular literature during middle ages in different countries of Europe.

Question 2

VERNACULAR vs DIALECT

Answer 2

Vernacular is the use of ordinary, everyday and plain language
in speaking or writing, such as corn is a common name of a plant, and its scientific name
is Maize or Zea mays, whereas dialect is related to a particular region, geographical area, a
particular social class, or an occupational group. Also, it uses a distinguished pronunciation,
vocabulary and grammar, such as people in Shanghai has different pronunciation or dialect
than in Yunnan.

Question 3

UNDERSTATEMENT

Answer 3

An understatement is a figure of speech employed by writers or
speakers to intentionally make a situation seem less important than it really is. An
understatement has something of an ironic effect. Here are some examples.
 “Deserts are sometimes hot, dry and sandy” while describing deserts of the world.
 “He is not too thin” while describing an obese person.
 “It rained a bit more than usual” while describing an area being flooded after heavy
rainfall.
 “It was O.K.” is an understatement if someone who got the highest score in a test said this
when asked about his result.
 “It is a bit cold today,” when the temperature is 5 degrees below freezing.