What term refers to a regionally distinct form of a language?

The term that refers to a regionally distinct form of a language is "dialect." A dialect encompasses variations in vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation that are characteristic of a particular geographic area or social group. These differences can be significant enough that speakers from different regions may have difficulty understanding each other, highlighting the diversity within a language.

While "accent" pertains specifically to variations in pronunciation often linked to a particular region or social group, it does not include the differences in vocabulary and grammar that define a dialect. "Standard language" refers to the version of the language that is widely accepted as the model for education and formal communication, often suppressing regional variations. "Creole" denotes a stable, fully developed natural language that originates from the mixture of different languages, typically in a context of colonialism or trade, and is not simply a regional variation of another language.

Understanding the concept of dialect is essential, as it reflects the rich diversity and evolution of language as it adapts to local cultures and practices.