Final answer:
A consistent style of pronunciation and articulation common to a region or ethnic group is known as a dialect. Dialects include variations in grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and expressions, often influenced by a region's cultural and social factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
A consistent style of pronunciation and articulation that is common to an ethnic group or a geographic region is referred to as a dialect. A dialect encompasses the unique forms of a common language associated with different regions or groups. Dialects can demonstrate significant differences in grammar, vocabulary, syntax, pronunciation, and expressions. This linguistic phenomenon shapes the identity of communities and can be influenced by factors such as ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and geography.
For example, in the United States, variations can be as distinct as the New England dialect compared to the Southern dialect. Influences from ethnicity are visible in places like New York City, where dialects carry the mark of historical immigration patterns. In regions close to Mexico, the merging of Spanish and English create what is sometimes referred to as Spanglish. Over time, dialects can evolve to the point where they are considered separate languages, though whether they are classified as such can be influenced by political considerations.