Standard and Non Standard History of The Standardisation Process. Flashcards
Define Standard Language.
A form of language that is widely accepted as the usual form.
Define non-standard.
A form of language that is not accepted as standard.
Outline the history of standardisation.
Many of the rules of grammar be observe today began in the 18th century when several influential books of grammar were written.
When did Samuel Jonson develop his dictionary of English and what was it’s effect?
1755.
Brought in standardisation to not just spellings but also definitions and meanings. It also confirmed the Midlands accents (Oxford and Cambridge) as the preferred way of writing and spelling T.
What effect did the 18th century have on standardisation?
The 18th century also had standardisation in the growth of education and literacy. Many accepted regional expressions and phrases were replaced by standardised ones - particularly in writing.
What was the effect of Caxton 1476.
Printing with Caxton was invented. This created a requirement for standardisation as printers were competing with each other. Caxton himself chose to print texts in the East Midland dialect - London, Oxford, Cambridge as these were seen as the most prestigious and ‘correct’ form. English printing also meant that spelling and punctuation became more standardised and by the 17th century a modern punctuation system began to develop.
What are the four main processes of standardisation?
Selection.
Elaboration.
Codification.
Implementation.
Outline selection.
An existing language variety is identified as the basis. The variety selected is usually that of the most powerful or socially influential social or ethnic group.
Outline Elaboration.
Ensuring that the new language can be used for a wide range of functions. This may involve the extension of linguistic resources: for example, new specialised vocabulary or even new grammatical structures.
Outline codification.
Reduction of internal variability in the selected variety, and the establishment of norms of grammatical usage and vocabulary.
Outline implementation.
The standard language must be given currency by making texts available in it, by encouraging user to develop a loyalty and pride in it and by discouraging the use of alternative languages varieties within official domains.
