Ebonics dialect - Research Paper Example

The better understanding of a language does not come through following the strict rules that prescribes how the grammar and structure of the language should be applied. The understanding of language clearly sets in, when the learners “choose not to follow the prescriptive usage” (Curzan, 870). There is dispute on the fact that learning to apply the rules of Standard English language is essential, most especially considering that it is the formal and official language that is applied in business meetings, news reading and in different other global social and political platforms.

In addition, the education, general publications and any other formal documents also apply Standard English (Curzan, 873). Thus, there is no doubt that there is a need for learners to understand the application of the Standard English, if they are to become effective communicators beyond their current classroom contexts. However, while teaching the Standard English language, it is only essential that it is not applied as the standard of measure against which other non-standard or derivative English languages should compare their grammar and sentence structure.

This position has been advanced by Anne Curzan, who argues that it would certainly be wrong pretending that “written Standard English is above question” (Curzan, 871). This essay, then, aims to emphasize that it is the social perception, as opposed to the inherent superiority of a language, that gives language its meaning. According to David Wallace, the essence of a language rests in its prevalence over everything and its applicability everywhere, such that the grammar purists, whom he also refers to as snoots, have a more glorious moment than the computer nerds (Wallace, 48).

This argument serves to drive to the point that language derives its meaning from its applicability, more than from the actual fact that it is a superior or inferior language. Therefore, Wallace then holds that the application of