Writers often use words in dialogue that vary from Standard English to bring their characters to life. Writers may also use dialect to convey information about a community in which a character lives. A dialect is a form of language that is spoken in a particular region by the people who live there. In “The Ravine”, the author uses the following sentences to give his characters an informal and conversational voice. “Shuddup,” Vinny said. “You prob'ly stepping right where his foot was.” “Hey,” Joe-Boy went on, “maybe you going be the one to find his body.” Stopstopstop! Don't think like that. Notice the informal spelling of Shut up and probably in the first two sentences. These variations indicate informal speech patterns that many people use every day. The phrase maybe you going be the one is an example of incorrect grammar that can be a part of a dialect. In the last sentence, the words Stopstopstop are run together to indicate the urgency of Vinny's thoughts. A character's way of speaking can help you better understand that character. Read the informal sentences below and identify the variations from standard English. Then, rewrite each sentence to show that you understand what is being said. 1. "S'up, Denise? How's it goin'?" asked Claire. 2. Jake did not want to answer. He shrugged his shoulders. "I dunno," he mumbled. 3. I refuse. I quit. I will never ever go back to that sad old place again. 4. "Gimme a break!" scoffed Tina. "I saw ya there with Jill, ya liar!" 5. I was just hangin' out with some friends at the mall. We weren't lookin' for no trouble. Know what I'm saying?"