“Prescriptivist” is a dirty word, yet unadulterated descriptivism is not only impractical, it is impossible. Non-Standard English. “In this age of militant anti-authoritarianism, evangelical multi-culturalism, and pedagogical malpractice…”. Browse the style manuals and choose one or two that you find easy to use. ’cos = because (first recorded in the … Use a standard dialect when you want to be understood by speakers not familiar with your home dialect. Suggesting that one form of speech is preferable to another, however, can annoy people no end. The point of having a standard written dialect is not to fossilize the language, but to permit change to take place at a slower pace. Listen to the audio pronunciation in English. Use non-standard English in context In writing, consider your targeted audience and choose the most appropriate language for that audience. 1. We can’t model standard grammar nor can we point out errors because standard grammar is situational and errors don’t exist to a true descriptivist. Cherish your own dialect and use it with those who can appreciate it. So, just where do we draw the line? I can call this post a good one because it is the most balanced view, most workable view, and most respectful view I’ve read on the topic. Insist that they speak and write standard English in the context of school and schoolwork. Excellent guidelines. Though somewhat ironically, many of the urban areas in the northeast have in the last 80 years developed regional accepts, such as the distinctive Bostonian acce… In an English-speaking country, Standard English is the variety of English that has undergone substantial regularisation and is associated with formal schooling, language assessment, and official print publications, such as public service announcements and newspapers of record, etc. Standard english definition, the English language in its most widely accepted form, adhering to fixed academic norms of spelling, grammar, and usage in written and spoken contexts, and neutralizing nonstandard dialectal variation. Nice article with a lot of good points and advice, especially for inexperienced writers. If you’re a script writer, consider the occupations and backgrounds of the various characters in your story. Characters: Unfortunately, and as a sign of the current higher education system’s failure to help students communicate professionally, I have heard colleagues with Master’s degrees make the exact grammatical errors you describe–both in speech (where I might overlook them) and in writing (where I’m forced to shake my head in dismay). When it comes to our grown kinfolk, neighbors, or co-workers, we need to recognize that, like everything else in life, “standard English” has its place. Non-Standard English is what most of us use and is all about the place we grew up in. Examples of non-standard usage. 2. cop = policeman 3. Also, with regard to myself being nice and to you’re seeing “nothing wrong with pointing out errors that appear in printed sources” admission: “Suggesting that one form of speech is preferable to another, however, can annoy people —>to<— no end. One inherent meaning of the word good is active benevolence, taking the initiative to do good to the benefit of others, not oneself. Copyright © 2020 Daily Writing Tips . Draw the line where you think it needs to be drawn in your use of the language. I will share this with my readers and friends (with attribution), and you have earned my respect and gratitude! When I read “For example, don’t have the characters with college degrees say things like Me and Professor Jones have created an algorithm, or, To celebrate my new tenure, I’ve made reservations for Sally and I at the French restaurant.”, I laughed.