Standard Dialect:
* Prestige: Often associated with higher social status, education, and power.
* Formal Usage: Typically used in formal settings like government, academia, and media.
* Codified: Has a standardized grammar, spelling, and pronunciation that is documented in dictionaries, style guides, and textbooks.
* Widely Accepted: Often perceived as the "correct" way to speak, even though it is ultimately just one variety of the language.
* Example: Received Pronunciation (RP) in British English, Standard American English.
Non-Standard Dialect:
* Regional and Social Variation: Reflects the unique history, geography, and social groups of its speakers.
* Informal Usage: Often used in everyday conversation and informal settings.
* No Official Codification: Grammar, spelling, and pronunciation may vary and are not necessarily codified in formal sources.
* Often Stigmatized: Can be perceived as less "proper" or "correct" than the standard dialect, leading to social prejudice.
* Examples: Southern American English, Cockney (London dialect), AAVE (African American Vernacular English).
Important Considerations:
* No inherent superiority: All dialects are equally complex and rule-governed.
* Social and historical context: The distinction between standard and non-standard is often a product of power dynamics and historical events.
* Linguistic variation is natural: Language naturally evolves and adapts, resulting in diverse dialects.
* Respect for all dialects: It is important to recognize the value and richness of all dialects, regardless of their social status.
It's crucial to remember that:
* Using the term "non-standard" can be seen as derogatory, even if not intended as such.
* "Standard" is simply a convention, not a true measure of linguistic correctness.
* All dialects are valuable and contribute to the richness and diversity of a language.
Ultimately, focusing on understanding and appreciating the diverse range of dialects within a language is far more beneficial than labeling them as "standard" or "non-standard."