Learn Standard English in 10 minutes

Summary

The video explores the concept of 'Standard English,' revealing its historical development and the misconceptions surrounding it. It discusses how Samuel Johnson's dictionary and the BBC's chosen accent shaped perceptions of English, highlighting that these standards stem from the biases of powerful individuals rather than a true representation of the language. Emphasizing that language is shaped by personal experiences, the speaker encourages learners to embrace their unique linguistic identities rather than conforming to an artificial standard. Ultimately, effective communication is presented as the true measure of language proficiency.

Takeaways

• 📚 Standard English is a form of English that aims to facilitate communication among the largest number of people.
• 🕰️ The evolution of written English over the last 500 years has led to its standardization, making books more accessible to the general public.
• 🔍 Samuel Johnson's dictionary, published in 1755, was a significant effort to establish standards for English spelling and usage.
• 📺 The BBC's choice of accent under Lord Reith influenced perceptions of what constitutes 'proper' English, associating it with social status rather than linguistic accuracy.
• ⚖️ The notion of a single standard accent or grammar is misleading; there is no universally accepted standard English.
• 🌍 English is a global language, and its standard can vary greatly based on individual experiences and professional contexts.
• 🗣️ Language comes from people's lived experiences rather than authoritative sources; it should not be judged by arbitrary standards.
• ✊ Successful communication is the true measure of language ability, not adherence to a prescribed standard.
• 🙅‍♂️ Learners should not feel pressured to conform to the prejudices of others regarding language use.
• 🌟 Embracing one’s unique language identity allows for authentic self-expression in communication.

Q & A

What is Standard English?

Standard English refers to a form of English that is often perceived as the most widely accepted and used in formal contexts such as education, media, and technology.

Why was Standard English developed?

Standard English was developed to address issues such as the lack of reference materials, inconsistent spelling, and regional variations in vocabulary and grammar that arose as books became more accessible to the general public.

Who was Samuel Johnson, and what was his contribution to English?

Samuel Johnson was a prominent lexicographer who published a comprehensive English dictionary in 1755, which aimed to establish a standard for the English language with over 42,000 entries.

How did the BBC influence the perception of Standard English?

The BBC, under Lord Reith's direction, chose a specific accent to represent their broadcasts, which shaped societal perceptions of what constituted 'proper' English, associating it with power and respectability.

What does the speaker mean by 'Standard English' being a collection of opinions?

The speaker argues that Standard English is not a universal standard but rather a compilation of opinions and biases from influential figures, reflecting the preferences of a minority rather than the majority of English speakers.

Is there a universally accepted standard English accent?

No, there is no single standard English accent that everyone can understand. Accents vary widely based on geographical and social factors.

What role do authoritative sources play in language according to the speaker?

The speaker suggests that while authoritative sources like teachers and dictionaries attempt to define language, true language comes from personal and collective human experiences.

How does the speaker view the relationship between language ability and standards?

The speaker contends that language ability should not be measured against an invented standard, but rather by the effectiveness of communication and the authenticity of expression.

What does the term 'social accent' refer to in the context of the transcript?

A social accent refers to an accent that indicates social class or status rather than geographical origin, suggesting that those who speak in a standard way are often from privileged backgrounds.

What is the main takeaway for learners of English from the transcript?

Learners of English are encouraged to embrace their unique linguistic identities and focus on authentic communication rather than conforming to perceived standards of English.