Final answer:
Colloquial language is used by realist writers to appeal to common people and to add a sense of authenticity to their work. Realism focuses on truthful representation and detailed character development, differentiating itself from the more sentimental Local Color and the geographically specific Regionalism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of language that is described in the student's question is Colloquial language. This kind of language is used by realist writers to portray a sense of realism in their narratives. They preferred using everyday speech patterns and diction that would resonate with the common people of the time. Realism in literature aims for detailed and accurate portrayal of real life, with characters and settings that readers can find relatable and believable. Realist writers attempted to avoid exaggerated emotionalism, instead opting for a more measured and truthful representation of life.
The major distinctions among Local Color, Regionalism, and Realism are primarily focused on the depth and complexity of character development, as well as the authenticity of the setting and language used. Local Color often presented somewhat sentimental narratives with clearer moral distinctions, while Regionalism focused on more specific geographical areas. Realism, however, moved beyond these, providing a more nuanced and complex portrayal of characters and plots that echoed real-life experiences without settling for idealized or neatly resolved endings.