Standardisation: Process, Arguments & Why Flashcards
What is Standardisation?
Looking at this from a lexical point of view; we see ‘standard’ a loaded term as indicating norm, but also as a concept of quality such as “standards are falling.” As a society we are adhere to certain level of quality not just within our language but with other aspects such as our jobs, etc.
It’s not an overnight process. But rather a gradual process this meant that some spelling was to some inconsistent throughout the Early Modern English.
Milroy and Milroy 1985 agreed with noting also it’s also an ideological struggle.
It involves grammar and orthography.
How does Power & Language link with Standardisation?
Someone at the top of a hierarchical position can enforce a certain way of speaking. We’ve learnt this with the Normandy Conquest where conquers brought in French language.
Which dialect got standardised to be Standard English we know it today?
The Mercian Dialect spoken in East Midland transplants to London where it is the language that gets used as the language in the centre of government.
Note: In a hypothetical situation; any dialect could’ve been the ‘Standard English’.
Who was John CCaxton?
- He was a merchant released the first printer to Britain in 1476.
- He established his printing press in West Minister and he began printing books in English this included Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales
- During that time, there was a demand of mass literacy and literature, the printing was successful for paving way for a standard variety of the language.
There was a problem, which dialect would form the basis of standard variety?
• He thinks it would be better to opt for the ‘Merican Dialect’ not because it was considered “prestigious” but because it was his one dialect, used in universities, trade centers and administration. (This meant that other dialects could’ve become the Standard English we know it as today)
What are arguments against the Caxton’s choosing the Mercian dialect?
- Despite Caxton’s desire to standardise Southern Eastern Dialect, it would of course change in the years to come.
- A majority of the ruling classes would benefit from the standardisation as the books which Caxton’s press printed could only be afforded by them.
What are arguments for the Caxton’s choosing the Mercian dialect?
-It was easier and would eliminate confusion with the diversity of various regional dialects that was spoken. For Caxton is difficult to choose which words to use his language. E.g. In his book he tells the story of some merchants from the North of England trying to buy eggs from a women in the South of England. The northerner uses the word “egges” derived from Old Norse, but the Southern women, who uses the word “eyren” from the Old English does not undesrstand.
What is the first process of Standardisation?
1.Selection - Form of English selected from a variety of dialects, and due to political, social and power issues Mercian English following from Norman Conquest is adopted in the place of West Saxon dialect of old power based in.
What is the second step of Standardisation?
2.Codification – Grammar books and dictionaries are used to give the impression of ‘fixing’ the term to give public access to what becomes seen as ‘correct form’
What is the third step of Standardisation?
- Elaboration of Function – Used in wide range of institutional and literary functions particularly government, law, education, science and literature (Renaissance Period). This gives rise to more lexical items in the lexicon.
What is the foutth step of Standardisation?
– The language, starts to become indicative of the identity of the English -> It’s part of your culture serves as a unifying force or state as symbol of its independence of other states and as a matter of its difference from other states.
What did this mean for other regional dialects?
In terms of other regional dialects because they weren’t selected, any persons who spoke regional dialects other than Standard English was seen as inferior because the dialect did not have the ‘social, economic and political power.
In terms of the Mercian Dialect being standardized was happened in 1066?
Old French becomes the language of the court and Normans scribes influence English spelling with their French.
In terms of the Mercian Dialect being standardized was happened in Early 1400?
Chancery Standard developed by Henry V combining element of northern and southern Middle English. Intended audience: For language users who couldn’t read French or Latin
In terms of the Mercian Dialect being standardized was happened in Late 1400?
Caxton influenced by Chancery Standard – chosen for printing
