Dialects in recent Hungarian works of fiction

Abstract

Hungarian dialects were used orally and in writing too before the formation of standard language. For this reason, dialectal elements can be found in several literary works, not only prior to the formation of standard language but also after it. Nowadays low prestige is connected with Hungarian dialects, but the written and spoken standard variety has high reputation (Kiss 2012: 55). However, Hungarian beyond the state borders usually has more dialectal elements than this language has in the mother country; therefore, in this case the disdain of Hungarian dialects is controversial. From the aspect of Hungarian dialects, we should revise the definition of the language of literary works and that of standard language, too, in school education. Dialectal elements of works of fiction written before the formation of the Hungarian standard language or beyond the state borders are part of the language of Hungarian literature as well.