What is standard language | Standardization | Process of Standardization

Summary

This video explores the concept of a standard language, defined as the variety considered optimal for education and used as a benchmark for other language varieties. It explains that standardization is a process involving selection, codification, elaboration of function, and acceptance. The script delves into how certain language varieties gain prestige through the influence of powerful speakers and are chosen for standardization, ultimately shaping the language's role in education, media, and society.

Takeaways

• 😀 Standard language is the variety of a language considered the norm and is used as a benchmark for other varieties.
• 🏛️ The standard language is often a prestige variety spoken by a minority with positions of power, such as those in government or education.
• 💼 Power is not inherent in language varieties; it is acquired through the influence of powerful speakers.
• 📚 Standard language is defined by its use in education and media, and the prestige attached to it by influential speakers.
• 🔍 The process of standardization involves four stages: selection, codification, elaboration of function, and acceptance.
• 🎯 Selection is the stage where one variety is chosen over others to be developed into the standard language, often due to its existing political and economic influence.
• 📖 Codification involves fixing the standard language in grammar books and dictionaries to provide a reference for its correct use.
• 📘 Elaboration of function ensures the standard language can perform a wide range of institutional and literary functions, with new lexical items and conventions added as needed.
• 🤝 Acceptance is the final stage where the population acknowledges the standard variety, though the power to select and establish the standard often lies with those in positions of power.
• 🌐 The process of standardization is summarized by Hudson and includes the stages of selection, codification, elaboration of function, and acceptance.
• 📚 The script provides a comprehensive explanation of what constitutes a standard language and the stages of its standardization process.

Q & A

What is the definition of a standard language according to the video?

A standard language is the variety of a language that is considered to be the norm, used for educational purposes, and serves as a yardstick against which other varieties of language are measured.

Why is the standard language considered a prestige variety?

The standard language is considered a prestige variety because it is spoken by a minority of people within society, typically those occupying positions of power, and it is associated with prestige due to its speakers' economic, social, and political power.

What does Melroy state about the relationship between language varieties and power?

Melroy states that language varieties don't inherently have power, but power is attributed to them because of the powerful speakers who use them.

What are the four stages of the standardization process as summarized by Hudson?

The four stages of the standardization process are selection, codification, elaboration of function, and acceptance.

How is the selection stage of standardization defined in the video?

The selection stage is a process where one variety is chosen over others to be developed as the standard language, often a variety that already has political and economic currency.

What is the purpose of codification in the standardization process?

Codification is the process where the standard language is fixed in grammar books and dictionaries, making it accessible to those who wish to use the language correctly.

What is the role of elaboration of function in the standardization process?

Elaboration of function is the stage where the standard variety must be capable of performing a wide range of institutional and literary functions, with new lexical items added and new conventions developed to fill any gaps.

What does acceptance in the standardization process entail?

Acceptance is when the relevant population accepts the standard variety, but it may not always be a matter of choice, as those who select the variety often have the power to enforce its use.

Why might the original speakers of a language variety not have the power to accept or reject the standard variety?

The original speakers may not have the power to accept or reject the standard variety because the selection of the standard variety is often made by those in positions of power who have the authority to enforce its use.

How does the process of standardization relate to the development of the English language as mentioned in the video?

The process of standardization in the English language involved the selection of the West Saxon dialect when the center of power was Winchester, and later the East Midland dialect after the Norman Conquest and the shift of power to London.

What is the significance of the standard language in education and media as discussed in the video?

The standard language is significant in education and media as it is the variety used for teaching, communication, and dissemination of information, and it serves as a benchmark for the status of other language varieties.