Standard English

Standard English is the dialect of English that is widely accepted as the norm for educated and formal communication in English-speaking countries. It serves as a common language for global communication, particularly in areas such as business, academia, and official documentation. Standard English acts as a benchmark for grammatical and linguistic conventions, providing a consistent framework for written and spoken English. It is considered the “correct” or normative version of English, adhering to established grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and spelling conventions. Standard English is often associated with educated speech and is intended to facilitate clear and effective communication among speakers from different regions.

Contrast non-standard English.

Characteristics

The characteristics of standard English are as follows:

• Grammar and Syntax: Standard English adheres to commonly accepted rules of grammar and syntax, which include subject-verb agreement, appropriate word order, and consistent verb tenses.
• Vocabulary: Standard English incorporates a broad vocabulary derived from Middle English plus diverse sources such as Latin, Greek, French, and other languages. It avoids excessive use of slang, jargon, or colloquial expressions, preferring words that are widely recognized and understood.
• Pronunciation: Standard English pronunciation follows patterns generally associated with educated speech, although there may be some regional variations. It emphasizes clarity, enunciation, and the correct articulation of sounds, making it easier for speakers of different dialects to understand each other.
• Spelling and Punctuation: Standard English adopts standardized spelling and punctuation conventions, which help ensure consistent written communication. It follows the rules set by standard dictionaries and style guides, reducing ambiguity and facilitating comprehension.
• Register and Formality: Standard English is often used in formal contexts, such as official documents, academic papers, business correspondence, and professional settings. It aims to convey information clearly and objectively, avoiding overly colloquial or informal language.
• Cultural Neutrality: Standard English strives for cultural neutrality, avoiding specific regional or ethnic biases. It aims to provide a fair and unbiased means of communication, promoting understanding and inclusivity across different cultural backgrounds.

Standard English in EFL

In the field of English as a foreign language (EFL), standard English is taught to EFL learners, and they are generally expected to produce standard English. However, if they only learn to read or listen to standard English, they may not be able to understand non-standard English so well, when they encounter it.