The Importance of Standard English for Students with Diverse Dialects in the USA
Standard English is widely taught in schools across the United States, ensuring that students, regardless of their home dialects, receive exposure and proficiency in this language. This article explores the significance of learning standard English and the understanding that while dialects are an integral part of regional cultures, standard English is essential for formal and professional communication.
Standardization in Education
Standard English, as taught in schools, serves as a common ground for all students. This linguistic standard is omnipresent in written and spoken communication, from textbooks to job interviews. It is not threatened by the diversity of dialects; in fact, both students and educators recognize the importance of mastering this language for academic and career success.
Understanding Dialects
A dialect is a particular form of a language peculiar to a specific region or social group. It encompasses all features of the 'standard' language, including syntax, morphology, phonology, and semantics. Dialects can be distinguished by various features, such as vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar. Some dialects may pose minor challenges, but overall, speakers from different backgrounds understand each other with relative ease.
Examples of Dialect Variations
To illustrate, consider the use of hello and howdy. While hello is used universally, howdy is a regional dialect specific to certain areas of the United States. Even if a speaker has never used howdy, they would recognize it and understand its meaning contextually.
Another example is the use of past tense in English. Native speakers universally recognize the rule of was for singular subjects and were for plural subjects. However, some dialects may invert this rule, as seen in the example 'You was here when he were shopping'. While this may be common in certain dialects, it can lead to misunderstandings in formal settings.
Impact on Professional and Academic Settings
In formal situations, such as job interviews or academic environments, the use of standard English is crucial. Accents and certain dialectic features can sometimes be perceived negatively, as they may be seen as a lack of professionalism or competence. However, it is important to recognize that dialects are deeply rooted in culture and can be a source of pride for speakers.
For instance, a neighbor from East London who persistently uses the inverted past tense rule ('You was here when he were shopping') may be seen negatively in a job interview, despite her ability to switch to standard English when needed. Similarly, a friend from Georgia who uses dialectal expressions like 'I be using this' and 'I'm a buy it' may face judgments due to his dialect, even though he understands standard English perfectly.
Cultural and Social Considerations
Dialects often reflect cultural and social histories. For example, the inverted past tense in East London dialect can be traced back to a form of protest against the upper classes, rooted in the 1800s. On the other hand, the dialect from Georgia is a reflection of a rich cultural heritage that has faced historic disadvantages, including slavery and racism.
These examples highlight the complexities of dialects and the importance of understanding the cultural contexts behind them. While it is beneficial for students to learn and adapt standard English, it is equally important to recognize and value the rich linguistic heritage that dialects represent.
Overall, while standard English is essential for formal and professional communication, it is crucial to recognize and respect the role of dialects in shaping individual identity and cultural heritage. Students should be encouraged to adapt their language to suit the context, be it academic or professional, while acknowledging the value of their home dialects.