A dialectologist is a linguist who studies the variations in language across different regions and social groups. They analyze how factors like geography, culture, and history influence the way people speak. This field helps to understand the diversity of languages and dialects, including pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar. Dialectologists often conduct fieldwork, collecting data through interviews and recordings. They may focus on specific dialects, such as British English or Southern American English, to document their unique features. Their research contributes to the broader understanding of language evolution and the social dynamics of communication.