Reading Comprehension s1

Name: READING COMPREHENSION

Timothy speaks in a dialect. A dialect is a way of speaking that is common to certain areas or regions of a country. For example, after Phillip wakes up on the life raft, Timothy says, "You 'ad a mos' terrible crack on d'ead, bahss." In standard English what he might have said was, "You got a terrible hit on te head,mister."

Each of the following examples of dialect can be found in Chapter Three of The Cay. Translate each example into your own words. Write your translation in the space provided.

"As to our veree location, Imus' guess we are somewhar roun'd'cays, somewhar mebbe fifteen latitude an' eighty long."

" 'E got oi-ll all ovah hisself from d'wattah."

He shook his head, "I 'ave no recollection o' anythin' 'cept dese islan's. 'lis pure outrageous, but Ido not remember anythin' 'bout a place called Afre-ca.

"Today," Timothy said, "do not eben look at d'wattah. D'glare is bad too."

List some of the rules that Timothy's dialect follows. For example, one rule might be that d is substituted for th; for example, dis instead of this.

Rewrite the following examples of Phillip's conversation in dialect.

"You're saving all the water for yourself."

"I don't think Stew Cat is bad luck. I am glad he is here with us.