What term describes the usage or vocabulary characteristic of a specific group of people?

The term that describes the usage or vocabulary characteristic of a specific group of people is "dialect." A dialect refers to a particular form of a language that is peculiar to a specific region or social group. It includes unique vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammatical structures that are distinct from the standard language or other dialects. For example, different regions within a country may have their own dialects that reflect local culture, history, and identity.

Understanding dialects is imperative in cultural anthropology as it illuminates how language reflects social dynamics and the shared experiences of groups, which may include variations based on geography, ethnicity, or social class. This cultural nuance in language usage helps researchers comprehend how groups communicate and express their identities.

While "lexicon" refers specifically to the vocabulary of a language or a branch of knowledge and can be a part of dialect, it does not encompass the broader language characteristics that dialect does, such as pronunciation and grammatical distinctiveness. "Syntax" pertains to sentence structure, and "phonology" involves the sound system of a language. These terms, while related to language, do not specifically denote the usage or vocabulary associated with distinct groups, making "dialect" the most accurate choice in this context.