Standard English
Standard English (SE) refers to the variety of the English language that has undergone codification to such an extent that it is perceived as the standard form across English-speaking countries. It is primarily associated with formal education, language assessment, and official publications such as newspapers and public service announcements.
Characteristics of Standard English
Standard English is notable for its lack of regional markers, meaning that its grammatical and lexical components are no longer tied to any particular dialect within the English language. This characteristic makes it distinct from the numerous dialects of English, and it exhibits very little of the variation found in earlier written or spoken versions of the language.
According to Peter Trudgill, a well-known linguist, Standard English stands out as a social dialect used predominantly in writing. It is distinguished from other English dialects mainly by a few grammatical idiosyncrasies. For example, it uses irregular reflexive pronouns and an unusual present-tense verb morphology.
Standard English Across the Anglosphere
The notion of what constitutes Standard English can vary significantly between countries within the Anglosphere:
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United Kingdom: In England and Wales, Standard English is identified with British English, specifically the grammar and vocabulary of United Kingdom Standard English (UKSE), and the accent known as Received Pronunciation.
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Scotland: The standard variety is referred to as Scottish English or sometimes Scottish Standard English.
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United States: The standard form is known as General American English, which is a major standard accent in the United States.
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Australia: The recognized form is General Australian English.
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Singapore: Standard English in Singapore manifests as Singaporean Standard English, which, despite regional influences, aligns closely with broader international standards.
Related Topics
- Dialectology
- Sociolinguistics
- Language Standardization
- Historical Linguistics
- English Language Teaching
Understanding Standard English is crucial for those engaging in formal communication across different regions where English prevails as a primary language. It plays a significant role in education, media, and international discourse where clarity and uniformity in language are paramount.