This paper is concerned with the discourse on standard language and its consequences. As suggested by the title, particular attention will be given to the conflicting views of linguists and popular scientists, as well as their respective influences on public opinion. In the first section, fundamental definitions will be given to lay the foundations for further discussion. Part (II) will then deal with the discourse of prescriptivists and popular scientists. Correspondingly, I will focus on the scholarly discourse in part (III) and the public discourse in (V). The latter will be preceded by a short excursus (IV) in which I will look at ‘standard’ and ‘nonstandard English’ from different angles by means of (1) some examples of prescriptivism and (2) analysis of the ‘nonstandard’ variety AAVE.
Table of Contents
- 0. Introduction
- I. Theoretical Part
- 1.1 Language Ideology
- 1.2 Prescriptivism, Descriptivism
- 1.3 Accent, Dialect & Language
- 1.4 'Standard Language' and the Standard Ideology
- II. Discourse of Prescriptivists and Popular Scientists
- II.1 Introduction
- II.2 Linguistic Equality and Language Adaptability
- II.3 'Standard English' as Empowerment
- II.4 Language Change & Language Decay
- III. Scholarly Discourse
- III.1 Introduction
- III.2 The Linguistic Facts of Life
- III.3 Language Variation and Identity
- III.4 Language-Based Discrimination
- III.5 Linguists' ‘Standard English’
- IV. From Theory to Practice
- IV.1 What English Should Look Like (According to Prescriptivists)
- IV.2 What English Does Look Like
- V. Public Discourse
- V.1 Dominance of Prescriptive Ideologies
- V.2 Discourse in the US and the UK
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to analyze the discourse surrounding standard language and its impact on public perception. It examines the contrasting viewpoints of linguists and popular scientists, and how these perspectives influence public opinion. The study explores the complexities of standard language ideology and its implications.
- Standard Language Ideology and its influence
- Contrasting views of linguists and popular scientists on language
- The impact of prescriptivism and descriptivism on language attitudes
- The relationship between language variation, identity, and social perception
- Analysis of public discourse surrounding standard language in the US and UK
Chapter Summaries
0. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the paper by outlining its focus on the discourse surrounding standard language and its consequences. It highlights the conflicting views of linguists and popular scientists and their influence on public opinion. The chapter also introduces the structure of the paper, previewing the topics covered in each section, and acknowledges the potential for bias in presenting the often-politicized subject of standard language ideology. The author's commitment to an academic linguistic perspective is stated upfront. Finally, the chapter clarifies terminology, particularly regarding "standard language," emphasizing its contested nature and specifying the focus on English in Great Britain and the United States.
I. Theoretical Part: This section lays the groundwork for the subsequent analysis by defining key concepts. It explores language ideology as beliefs and perceptions about language linked to socio-cultural values and public perceptions. It contrasts prescriptivism (the belief in a single correct language form) and descriptivism (the description of actual language use). The chapter further clarifies the terminology of accent, dialect, and language, drawing on Lippi-Green's definitions to delineate the distinctions and emphasize how public perceptions often differ from academic linguistic viewpoints. This careful unpacking of terminology allows for a more nuanced and accurate analysis of the discourse surrounding standard language in the following chapters.
II. Discourse of Prescriptivists and Popular Scientists: This chapter delves into the contrasting perspectives of prescriptivists and popular scientists concerning standard language. It examines their arguments regarding linguistic equality, language adaptability, the perceived empowerment associated with 'Standard English,' and the notion of language decay. By analyzing their discourse, this chapter illuminates the different approaches to understanding and evaluating language, creating a strong foundation for subsequent chapters exploring scholarly and public discourse.
III. Scholarly Discourse: This section presents the linguistic viewpoint on key issues related to standard language. It discusses the established facts of language change and equality, the distinction between grammaticality and communicative effectiveness, and the fundamental differences between written and spoken language. The chapter then analyzes the connections between language variation, identity, and the standard ideology, exploring the complexities of language-based discrimination and offering the linguists' perspective on "standard English." This chapter presents a direct counterpoint to the prescriptivist views discussed in the previous chapter.
IV. From Theory to Practice: This chapter bridges the gap between theoretical concepts and real-world examples. It contrasts prescriptivists' views of what English should look like with the actual usage of English, exemplified by excerpts from AAVE. This approach gives concrete examples of prescriptivist rules and their clash with actual language use, highlighting the differences between theoretical ideals and practical reality.
V. Public Discourse: This chapter focuses on the public's perception and use of standard language. It specifically examines the dominance of prescriptive ideologies and compares the discourse surrounding standard language in the US and the UK, providing insights into how public attitudes and perceptions shape the ongoing debate surrounding language standards.
Keywords
Standard Language Ideology, Prescriptivism, Descriptivism, Linguistic Equality, Language Variation, Language Attitudes, Public Discourse, Popular Science, Scholarly Discourse, Accent, Dialect, AAVE, Standard English.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Analysis of Standard Language Ideology
What is the overall focus of this academic paper?
This paper analyzes the discourse surrounding standard language and its impact on public perception. It examines the contrasting viewpoints of linguists and popular scientists on standard language ideology and its consequences, exploring the complexities of this ideology and its implications for language attitudes and social perceptions.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include Standard Language Ideology and its influence; contrasting views of linguists and popular scientists on language; the impact of prescriptivism and descriptivism; the relationship between language variation, identity, and social perception; and an analysis of public discourse surrounding standard language in the US and the UK.
What theoretical concepts are defined and discussed?
The paper defines and explores core concepts such as language ideology, prescriptivism (belief in a single correct language form), and descriptivism (description of actual language use). It also clarifies the distinctions between accent, dialect, and language, and examines the concept of 'Standard English' from both prescriptivist and descriptivist perspectives.
How does the paper contrast the perspectives of prescriptivists and popular scientists?
The paper analyzes the discourse of prescriptivists and popular scientists, highlighting their contrasting views on linguistic equality, language adaptability, the perceived empowerment of 'Standard English,' and the notion of language decay. This comparison illuminates different approaches to understanding and evaluating language.
What is the linguists' perspective on standard language, as presented in the paper?
The paper presents the scholarly linguistic viewpoint, emphasizing the established facts of language change and equality. It highlights the distinction between grammaticality and communicative effectiveness, explores the connections between language variation, identity, and the standard ideology, and analyzes language-based discrimination. It also offers a counterpoint to prescriptivist views on "standard English."
How does the paper bridge the gap between theory and practice?
The paper connects theoretical concepts to real-world examples by contrasting prescriptivists' views of "correct" English with actual language use, using examples such as African American Vernacular English (AAVE). This highlights the discrepancies between theoretical ideals and practical reality.
What does the paper reveal about public discourse on standard language?
The paper examines public perception and use of standard language, focusing on the dominance of prescriptive ideologies and comparing discourse in the US and the UK. It provides insights into how public attitudes and perceptions shape the debate surrounding language standards.
What are the main chapters and their respective focuses?
The paper is structured as follows: 0. Introduction; I. Theoretical Part (defining key concepts); II. Discourse of Prescriptivists and Popular Scientists; III. Scholarly Discourse (linguists' perspective); IV. From Theory to Practice (comparing theory with real-world examples); and V. Public Discourse (examining public perceptions).
What are the key words associated with the paper's subject matter?
Key words include: Standard Language Ideology, Prescriptivism, Descriptivism, Linguistic Equality, Language Variation, Language Attitudes, Public Discourse, Popular Science, Scholarly Discourse, Accent, Dialect, AAVE, Standard English.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Ben Schmi (Autor:in), 2012, The Impact of Notions of Standard Language in Popular Scientific and Scholarly Discourse on Language Attitudes of the Public, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/207360
