Standard and Non-

Standard English
Presented by: Mohammad Saud, Jade Stephen and Mosab
Made by: Mohammad Saud
 ~Standard And Non-Standard English~
•Standard English refers to the form of English that is widely accepted
and used as the norm in education, media, government, and other
formal settings. It adheres to grammatical rules, vocabulary, and
pronunciation conventions that are considered standard within a
particular dialect or region, such as American English or British English.

•Non-standard forms of English, on the other hand, deviate from these

conventions. They may include regional dialects, slang, colloquialisms,
or informal language variations that are not typically used in formal
contexts. Non-standard forms can vary greatly depending on factors
such as geographical location, social class, ethnicity, and cultural
background.
 Prescriptivism And Descriptivism
•Prescriptivists typically aligns more closely with standard English. Prescriptivists
advocate for adherence to established rules, conventions, and standards of
language usage. They often prescribe what they perceive as “correct” grammar,
vocabulary, and pronunciation, based on formal rules and traditions.
Prescriptivists talking about language use in Britain often refer to a very general
“Golden Era” where the population was able to read, write, and talk ‘correctly’.

• A descriptivist viewpoint observes and describes the linguistic world as it is,

without preconceived ideas about how it ought to be. In this view, there no single
‘right’ standard by which others are judged.
Linguist Jean Aitcheson, for example, believes that language is continually
developing and is not deteriorating because of generation change.
Different contexts for language use
Formal
Where recognized, Standard
English is followed in both
Speech and writing.
Slang/Non-standard
Situations which demand
that a more basic and very
informal variety of
language used.
Colloquial/Casual
The everyday language of
Discourse; the register
used
by friends.
Frozen language
Language which is
unchanging and generally
full of archaisms (words
used earlier time but no
longer in use).
 Language Change
•The way people talk and write depends on the situation they’re in, so language
changes as society changes. English is a lively and flexible language that has
evolved and adjusted to different cultures. However, some people are worried
about the decline in how well people speak, write, and read, especially with
technology being so important nowadays. This is a concern for educators and
others who care about how well people communicate.
• Others are more optimistic and see a language which changes according to the
needs of its speakers. This is more democratic process as language belongs to
those who use it and language die if they fail to serve the needs of those who
speak them.
• Al languages change constantly with a steady stream of view words appearing
as others drop out. Pronunciation changes too, so that it is only when we hear a
speaker from the past, even the recent past, they strike us as ‘ old fashioned ‘.
The Oxford English Dictionary’s 2013 World of the year was selfie which, with the
advent of social networking, is now used worldwide. We can look forward to many
more new words being added to the dictionary in the future.

In addition to the introduction of new words, the meaning of existing words can
change and four major trends have been identified:

• Pejoration: is when a word gains a negative meaning over time. For instance,
“silly” originally meant “happy” or “blessed” in Old and early Middle English, but its
meaning as changed to something negative over time.
• Amelioration: occurs when a term gains a positive connotation over time. For instance, “nice”
initially meant something negative like “foolish” or “simple” in Middle English, but its meaning evolved
to have a positive association.

• Widening: in which a term acquires a broader meaning The modern English word dog derives
from the earlier dogge, which was originally a particularly powerful breed of dog.

• Narrowing: in which a term acquires a narrower meaning. The old English mete (meat) originally
meant any sort of food, but has now narrowed to refer to food of an animal origin.
 Reasons for language change:
• Technology: new words are coined for new processes and changes. Equally words
disappear as the things that they are describing fall out of use.

• Geography: landscapes, flora and fauna require naming and these words become
part of regional dialect. For example English immigrants to Australia coined outback and
bush as words describing particular features of the landscape in that country.

• Social conditions: a whole range of economic, social( including gender), ethic and
age changes require words to support new conditions.

• Increasing specialization: requires a body of language to support it for example in

law, medicine and the media.

• International contacts and travel: mean that vocabulary becomes international.

• Changing communities: influence changes in language.

Slang
Slang is unusual, direct, sometimes offensive language which is
not regarded as standard. It may not be considered polite and may
feature words or phrases concerned with sexuality and bodily
functions. Slang words are always changing and can be dated very
quickly. Slang also acts as a identity marker for groups as we
know, language is used to include and exclude people from
different social groups.

Teenage language is widely perceived to be full or slang, which

changes very rapidly. Teenagers are early adopters of new forms
which can become instantly global. However, many slang phrases
are local and act as a badge of identity for the group who uses
them.
Examples of Common Slangs are;
• I don’t buy it - means I don’t believe it
• Ditto - Me too, I don’t think so
• Tomato, tomahto - unimportant difference
• I famished - extremely hungry
• Call ‘ shotgun’ - come to sit front passenger seat of a vehicle
• Speak of the devil - a person appears just after being mentioned
• Now or never - must do something immediately
• My bad - my mistake, my fault
• Break a leg - to wish someone a goodluck
• I dare you - to challenge someone to do something risky or bold
Slang and Bad language:

Language evolves, and what’s considered “bad” or slang varies

between cultures and over time. Insults often reflect societal values and
can focus on bodily functions, taboos, or religious beliefs. Shakespeare
used colorful insults, and slang can spread rapidly, originating in one
area and spreading globally. Insults change with social values, with
terms once acceptable becoming taboo. Language reflects social
values, and understanding these nuances is important, even if certain
words or phrases become obsolete over time.
Jargon
Jargon is another form of non-standard English because it is often not
part of mainstream usage. It relates most frequently to technical words
and phrases used by specialist groups, or by professionals such as
doctors and lawyers. In some extreme cases it may become almost
unintelligible, and examples of wordy government documents often
make the headlines. However, jargon can be similar to slang, in that it is
restricted to a certain group where its use ensures mutual and precise
understanding between group members.
Thanks for listening..