The Monolithic Term Standard English Is an Outdated Concept - Essay Example

The Monolithic term “Standard English” is an Out d Concept Standard English is English that meets all the uniform necessities laid out in the English language. It has certain set rules and guidelines with respect to grammar, vocabulary pronunciation, and spelling. Standard English is however not devoid of some regional variations, although for the most part it is uniform. Standard English is understood and accepted in English speaking areas. It differs with the locality within which it is analysed. For instance, the United Kingdom adheres to United Kingdom Standard English while Scotland adheres to Scottish Standard English. No authority defines, controls, or authenticates Standard English. The deviation from Standard English can quite easily be noted if one is familiar with the rules and patterns that define it (Miller, 18). However, as time has passed, the rules have changed as English has evolved and incorporated certain variations. English is the most spoken in the world. It has a wide recognition across all the continents. This is to say that it is recognized and widely used so much so that the question of what exactly is standard is raised more often than not. In the 21st century particularly, differing reasons, Standard English has been thrown to the curb. Although there are certain institutions and organizations that are keen on its maintenance, the strictness that was there in the 19th and 20th century is not in existence. In most areas as urbanization and globalization have taken effect, sticking strictly to Standard English has become an “outdated” consideration. The aim of this paper is to illustrate the way Standard English has become outdated and the reasons behind this. The very first reason as to why Standard English has gone down the drain is the rise of various economies. English originated from the United Kingdom. With the previous centuries, the United Kingdom was the leading economy in the world. Therefore, naturally English, in its correct form was the recognized formal language. In Africa, for instance, Britain was the leading colonial power. As a result, the larger parts of Africa became English speakers after adopting the British constitution and economic style. With the British autocratic leadership style, English in its colonies was spoken in its proper form. Time was adequately accorded to teaching Standard English within the colonies. This carried on much longer after colonialism was over. This was before colonies gained their own sense of independence and deviated from English. The onset of the 21st century marked an end to this. Africa became free of colonial rule and with this; Standard English took a back seat. Countries began to redefine their own standards of language and the English language was set aside. In Nigeria for instance, Standard English has been replaced with the much more locally invented Pidgin English. On a global scale, the United Kingdom’s economic prowess was challenged by other economies such as those of the United States, China, Russia, and Germany. In respect of this, the high regard that the Standard English has been accorded declined. There was no particular regard to taking up the language in a formal manner as it previously had been. The end of the United Kingdom’s monopoly marked a decline in the use of Standard English. This is because the language was no longer associated with prestige and dominance. With the rise of other economies, the incorporation of other languages into school curriculums came up. While previously, it may have been easier to learn and stick to Standard English, as it was the only language within many curriculums, this changed. Languages such as French and Spanish also became equally important and recognized on a worldwide scale. Learners in today’s century now have to shift their attention in learning multiple languages within the same period (Miller, 39). Time accords perfection and this is why Standard English exists in the first place. Seeing as previously, English was the only language of formal regard, people had time to learn it, set standards for perfection and work towards those standards. However, because learners now have to split time between many languages, learning it is enough; perfection is not of the essence. Furthermore, countries have learnt to uphold their languages first before upholding foreign ones. In the larger section of the world, English is a foreign language. For instance, in Tanzania, the government opts to uphold Swahili, as the formal and official language as Swahili is the language of the natives. In this regard, in countries where it is not a first language, focusing on Standard English is not so much of a priority. While previously not being able to communicate in Standard English was regarded as being outdated, in the 21st century not being able to speak in one’s native and local language is outdated. However, in the United Kingdom, Standard English is still held in great accord, although there is also a certain amount of focus on other globally recognized languages. Standard English has become outdated because the institutions that are meant to uphold it regard it as such. Media is the determinant of the death or survival of a language. If the media upholds a certain style of speaking, then its survival is more than likely to be the result. However, if the media inclines more towards another style of speaking, then the survival of the previous style is invalid. The media set the pace for what is fashionable, “in style,” and “in the moment.” Language is not different. The media has to focus on a particular language in order for it to be termed as being fashionable. This is because the media reaches out to many people across the globe and therefore is the common denominators for the entire globe. Those that are out of touch depend on the media for updates on trend (Miller, 41). Modern day journalism is not inclined towards Standard English. Today’s media is defined more attuned to the trends that are being used in normal conversation. Therefore, the incorporation of words that are not per say, English has become a common phenomenon. This does not mean that English is not the common form of communication and journalism, but rather that it is not in its Standard Form. Once the media partakes less-than-standard English, the masses that tune in to media stations for updates, then partake it as a correct form of speaking. The trend has carried on for so long and on a widespread basis that it has become a permanent fixture. If the determinant of what is trendy – the media – is not inclined towards Standard English – then it is in totality, outdated. There are two recognized styles of English; British English and American English. People that are experienced and more in tune with the language that is English can differentiate them. People that are from either of the two countries can also easily distinguish the two. However, people that are not encompassing of any of the two factors above cannot tell the difference. Unfortunately, the majority of the world’s population falls in the latter category. Because of this, there has been a lot of meshing up of the two languages. This has only served to confuse learners of the English language all over the world. American English has become very popular over time. The majority of the phrases within the American English vocabulary, fall very far in line from what is considered as Standard English. However, American English is very popular in spoken communication and hence sending a downfall to Standard English. While from a general perspective the two types of English may seem similar, they are not. For instance, in the American one, “is not” is replaced by “ain’t” which is a very serious offence in Standard English itself. As mentioned previously, American English is becoming more popular in everyday conversations. This is because it comes with ease while communicating and does not have all the rules that come with British English. Furthermore, the music industry that has widespread popularity has partaken to American English. In respect of this Standard English, the British one has died a natural death over the cause of time. If the current trends are anything to go by, the coming century might be characterized by an utter inexistence of Standard English. For religious believers, Standard English is also not in popularity. The majority of the world’s population comprises of people that share in the Christian faith. The faith is based on biblical teachings and sayings. Therefore, for staunch Christians the language in the Bible is the correct form of speaking. The biblical language, especially for the less modernized versions compromises of myriads of portions that are written in Shakespeare English. For instance, rather than “You shall not” the words, “Thou shall not “are used. Those that read the Bible frequently adopt this kind of language. Furthermore, it is common knowledge that reading influences an individual’s mode of speaking. Therefore, frequent and average readers of the Bible find themselves inclined to this form of language, even if just partially. Some of them may not embrace it in noticeable ways, but it certainly affects the ability of their English in being “Standard.” All the above reasons explain why Standard English is not enjoying the same kind of high accord it previously did. The extent to which the language has been corrupted is so great that its revival is not a likely occurrence. Although the fall of Standard English has been associated with the rise of economies, it is not a good element in development. Standard English is a representation of order and formality in language. The corruption and incorporation of defiant speaking mechanisms do not speak well of the world in general. Even though predictions have it that in coming years, Standard English will only decline further into obscurity, this not certain. Trends are prone to change as time passes. It is possible that in the 22nd Century, Standard English could be alive, well, and stronger, but the chances are immensely slim. Work Cited Miller, S. The Norton book of composition studies. New York: W.W. Norton & Co., 2009. Read More