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Standard and Non-Standard - Coggle Diagram
Standard and Non-Standard
Standard
Fixed and consistent spelling (e.g. "was" instead of "wuz")
Conventional grammatical rules (e.g. "I didn't" instead of "I never")
Extensive and diverse vocabulary (e.g. words that draw from Latin, French, and German roots)
Not tied to any particular regional accent
Associated with formality
The language taught in schools
Origins
East Midlands dialect prestige
Geographic and political proximity to London allowed for regional dominance over others
Printing press introduced in England(1476)
Caxton introduced the printing press to England and standardised spelling in the process, spreading a uniform variety of English nationwide
Johnson's Dictionary (1755)
First Major attempt to fix English spelling; symbolised prescriptivist ideologies
Lowth's Grammar (1762)
Introduced grammar rules still cited today, largely based on Latin grammar (e.g. no split infinitive)
BBC English (20 Century)
RP adopted as broadcast standard, spreading the idea of "correct" english both nationwide and globally
National Curriculum (1988-Present)
Mandated teaching of standard English in schools
Non-Standard
Types
Regional dialects
Geordie, Scouse, Yorkshire, West Country, Scottish English all have distinctive lexis, grammar, and phonology
Urban dialects/sociolects
Multicultural London English (MLE) and Manchester English are both influenced by migration and youth culture
African-American Vernacular English (AAVE)