Sunday, November 8, 2009
Advantages of Non-Standard Dialects
The advantage of keeping access to non-standard dialects is that we can preserve the cultural and linguistic differences that are part of all the non-standard dialects. Since every dialect group comes from a different socioeconomic background, each group has its own way of life that probably has many cultural and linguistic differences from the standard dialect. If we were to wipe out all of the non-standard ones, then we would lose knowledge about all of the differences that make each dialect unique. In addition, we would most likely lose the history as to how and why each dialect broke away from the standard dialect and formed its own variety. Despite these arguments to keep access open to non-standard dialects, however, it is much more advisable to encourage the use of the standard dialect and dissuade people from using the non-standard dialects. In today's American society, there are a number of regional dialects. The problem with this is that many people associate negative stereotypes with several of the dialects -- Boston accents suggest arrogance, Southern accents suggest laziness, etc. By encouraging people to switch over to Standard American English, we would help lessen dialectal stereotypes that are very common among people in this country. Dialects of minorities also suffer immensely in America. When people speak with a foreign accent, many people automatically assume that they are less intelligent since they don't have a complete grasp on the English language. Because of this, people who don't speak with a perfect English accent are not given equal opportunities in various aspects of life such as at work, at the store, on the phone, etc. If we were to succeed in making people with foreign accents learn how to speak Standard American English, we would have a much more equal society.
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I think it is an interesting point you make that by encouraging Americans to speak Standard American English, it would make society much more equal. I think this is unfortunate, but true. Rooting out stereotypes is incredibly difficult and sadly, unrealistic. The only way this will change is once everyone starts defying stereotypes. Clearly, in this case, the way to do this would be to learn how to speak in what civilization today deems "proper." Moreover, being able to speak in an academic way and be understood is necessary not only in getting jobs, but also in being able to communicate with others and in gaining respect.
ReplyDeleteI agree that speakers of non-standard dialects are often misjudged and not given equal opportunities in various aspects of life. However, due to a difference of opinion, I have to disagree with your argument that simply because of dialectal stereotypes, people should stop using non-standard dialects. I think that there are ways to avoid stereotypes while still maintaining non-standard dialects. For example, speakers of non-standard dialects can still learn the standard dialect. Keeping one dialect does not necessarily indicate that a speaker must discard the other one.
ReplyDeleteBlee presents a good point about how learning one dialect does not mean forgetting another one. Your argument presented in the blog is valid, however if people were to learn two dialects they would be able to retain their old dialects, with all its culture and history, as well as gain a standard dialect allowing them to communicate equally with the majority of people. You never really discuss the option of someone knowing two dialects in your blog.
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