Attitudes to language

 Language attitudes are evaluative reactions to different language varieties.

 They reflect, at least in part, two sequential cognitive processes: social categorization
and stereotyping.
 First, listeners use linguistic cues (e.g., accent) to infer speakers’ social group
membership(s).
 Second, based on that categorization, they attribute to speakers’ stereotypic traits
associated with those inferred group membership(s). Language attitudes are organized
along two evaluative dimensions: status (e.g., intelligent, educated) and solidarity
(e.g., friendly, pleasant).
 Standard varieties are those that adhere to codified norms defining correct usage in
terms of grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary, whereas nonstandard varieties are
those that depart from such norms in some manner (e.g., pronunciation)
 Because standard varieties tend to be associated with dominant socioeconomic groups
within a given society, standard speakers are typically attributed more status than
nonstandard speakers. 
 Language is an important symbol of social identity, and people tend to attribute more
solidarity to members of their own linguistic community, especially when that
community is characterized by high or increasing vitality (i.e., status, demographics,
institutional support).

In simpler terms, attitudes to language are the reaction to different language varieties. Items
such as an accent, vocabulary, pronunciation as well as terminologies all contribute to the
way someone can react to the way you speak. Different language varieties are associated with
the ways in which a person can perceive you (stereotype).

Examples:
1. Some who speaks the standard English is usually associated with prestige, being that
of well educated, someone pleasant.
2. Someone who speaks standard English but speaks very loudly and harsh, this person
would be stereotyped as ignorant, foolish.

On the other hand,

3. Someone speaking the creole language is usually associated as someone who is

uneducated, lacking social stature.
4. Someone who speaks creole English but speaks proudly and confidently would not be
given the usual stereotype of being uneducated.