Standardisation (AQA A-Level English Language): Revision Notes
Standardisation
What is standardisation?
Standardisation refers to the process through which a language's spelling, grammar, and vocabulary become regulated and uniform. When a language becomes standardised, it develops agreed-upon norms and conventions that typically appear in formal written language. These norms are often viewed as representing the 'best practice' for using the language correctly and appropriately.
The standardisation of English has been a gradual process influenced by various historical, social, and technological factors. Understanding this process helps us appreciate how modern Standard English developed and why certain forms are considered more prestigious than others.
The distinction between "standard" and "standardisation" is important: standard refers to the established form of language itself, while standardisation refers to the ongoing process by which those standards are created and maintained.
Historical development of standardisation
The printing press and uniformity
A major milestone in the standardisation of English occurred in the 15th century with the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg. This technological innovation had a profound impact on language standardisation because it created a practical need for consistent spelling and grammar conventions.
Before printing, manuscripts were hand-copied, leading to significant variation in spelling and language use. The printing press made it economically important to establish uniform spellings and grammatical rules that could be reproduced across multiple texts. This mechanism was crucial in spreading standardised forms throughout society.
The printing press didn't just make books more accessible—it fundamentally changed how language was used. Printers needed to make decisions about spelling and grammar that would then be replicated thousands of times, creating a strong economic incentive for standardisation.
Codification through dictionaries and grammars
The standardisation and codification of English was significantly advanced through the creation of dictionaries and grammar books. These reference works played a vital role in establishing which spellings, definitions, and grammatical structures should be considered correct.
An important religious text also contributed to this process: the King James Bible, published in 1611, helped establish certain linguistic forms as authoritative because of its widespread use and cultural significance.
Samuel Johnson's dictionary
A landmark moment in English standardisation came in 1755 with the publication of Samuel Johnson's dictionary. This comprehensive work set standard definitions, spellings, and usage guidelines for thousands of words. Johnson's dictionary became an authoritative reference point that influenced how educated speakers and writers used English for generations to come.
Samuel Johnson's dictionary was groundbreaking not just for what it included, but for how it approached language. It provided definitions, usage examples, and etymologies, setting a new standard for what a dictionary should be. This single work shaped English usage for over a century.
Standard English and social status
The standard form of any language tends to be associated with particular social characteristics. In English-speaking societies, Standard English is strongly linked with high social status, authority, and formality. This is why Standard English dominates in education systems, media broadcasts, government documents, and other official or prestigious contexts.
This association means that using Standard English can signal education, professionalism, and social prestige. However, it's important to recognise that this is a social convention rather than any inherent superiority of Standard English itself.
The prestige of Standard English is a social convention, not a reflection of any linguistic superiority. Standard English is not inherently "better" or "more correct" than other varieties—it simply has higher social status due to historical and social factors.
Dialect levelling
Dialect levelling is another significant force in the standardisation process. This phenomenon involves the reduction of linguistic variety in terms of pronunciation, dialect-specific words, and grammatical forms.
Dialect levelling often occurs as a result of increased social and geographical mobility. When people from different regions interact more frequently—whether through migration, education, or employment—their distinct dialectal features may become less pronounced. Over time, this can lead to more uniform language use across broader geographical areas.
The prescriptivism debate
Standardisation frequently leads to prescriptivism, which is the belief that one particular form of language is superior to others and should be used exclusively. Prescriptivists argue that there are correct and incorrect ways to use language, and they advocate for maintaining strict standards.
This view is often challenged by descriptive linguists, who believe that all forms of language have value and validity. Descriptivists argue that language should be studied and understood as it is actually used, rather than judged against an idealised standard. They maintain that regional dialects, sociolects (language varieties associated with social groups), and idiolects (individual language patterns) all provide valuable insights into the histories, societies, and identities of their users.
The Key Difference:
- Prescriptivists ask: "How should language be used?"
- Descriptivists ask: "How is language actually used?"
Both perspectives offer valuable insights, though linguists today generally favour descriptive approaches that acknowledge the validity of all language varieties while recognising the social realities of standardisation.
The ongoing nature of standardisation
It's crucial to understand that standardisation is not a completed, fixed process. Instead, it is gradual and constant, with language continuing to evolve over time. Various external factors influence this evolution, including technological developments (such as digital communication), social changes (such as shifting attitudes towards formality), and cultural contact.
This means that what counts as 'standard' can shift over time, with changes and additions to standard forms occurring across generations. The standard is not static but responsive to how language is actually used in society.
Language standardisation never truly "finishes." What was considered non-standard yesterday might become standard tomorrow. For example, words like "email" and "blog" were once seen as informal neologisms but are now fully accepted in Standard English. The standard evolves with society.
Regional variation and linguistic diversity
Despite the prominence of Standard English, it's essential to recognise that regional dialects, sociolects, and idiolects remain equally valid forms of language. Each variety provides important insights into the history, society, and identity of its users.
These non-standard varieties are not inferior versions of English but rather rich linguistic systems with their own rules and patterns. They reflect the diversity of English-speaking communities and contribute to the overall vitality and expressiveness of the language.
Common Misconception to Avoid:
Many people mistakenly believe that dialects are "broken" or "incorrect" versions of Standard English. This is linguistically inaccurate. Every dialect has its own systematic rules and structures—they are complete, valid language systems, not deficient versions of the standard.
Remember!
Key Points to Remember:
- Standardisation is the process of regulating a language's spelling, grammar, and vocabulary to create uniform norms for formal use
- Key historical factors include the 15th-century printing press, the King James Bible (1611), and Samuel Johnson's dictionary (1755)
- Standard English is associated with high status, authority, and formality, and dominates in education, media, and official contexts
- Prescriptivism views one language form as superior, while descriptivism recognises the value of all language varieties
- Standardisation is an ongoing process influenced by technology and social change—language continues to evolve even after standards are established