In linguistics, a sociolect is the variety of language characteristic of a social background or status. It is a portmanteau term combining the morphemes “socio-,” meaning social and “-lect,” meaning a variety of language.
A dialect which evolves from regional speech may also have sociolectical implications. For example, standard Italian is a dialect in that it is particular to Tuscany; yet, being the national language of Italy, it is also a sociolect in that it carries a certain prestige from being the lingua franca throughout the country – both in broadcasting, in the press, and by people of high social status.
