* Geography: Different regions have different dialects, and one dialect might be considered more prestigious or "standard" in a particular region.
* Social class: Historically, the speech of the upper classes or those in positions of power has often been considered the standard.
* Education: Education systems often teach a specific dialect as the "correct" way to speak, which can influence what is considered standard.
* Media: The media often promotes a particular way of speaking, which can influence perceptions of what is standard.
It's important to remember that all dialects are equally valid and have their own unique features. There's no "correct" or "wrong" way to speak a language, and judging someone based on their dialect is discriminatory.
Instead of talking about "standard dialects," it's more accurate to discuss:
* Regional varieties: The specific ways people speak in different regions.
* Social dialects: The specific ways people speak within different social groups.
* Prestige dialects: Dialects that are often associated with power and influence.
Ultimately, it's up to individuals and communities to decide what kind of language they want to use and how they want to approach language variation.