AP World History Practice Exam 2026 – The Comprehensive All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

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What does 'vernacular' mean?

A formal dialect used in literature

Everyday language of ordinary people

The term 'vernacular' refers to the everyday language spoken by ordinary people in a particular region or community. It encompasses the informal speech patterns, idioms, and expressions that are commonly used in day-to-day conversation. By definition, the vernacular contrasts with more formal or literary forms of language and is often associated with the native languages and dialects used by the general populace rather than the elite or scholarly classes.

In the context of history, vernacular languages play a significant role in the development of national identities and cultural expressions, especially during periods like the Renaissance when literature began to be produced in languages that the general public could understand, rather than exclusively in Latin or other classical languages. This shift allowed for wider accessibility and dissemination of ideas, making literature and scholarly work more relatable to everyday people.

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A type of ancient language

The language of the elites

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