English assignment: Evolving Standard Languages

Question

Task: Prepare a report on investigating the Standard English outside of the UK and US with the help of relevant examples.

Answer

Executive Summary
Each language discussed in this English assignment comes with a wide variety of dialects which involve different pronunciation, grammar and syntax formation. The different variations of the English are usually favoured by certain regions speakers who also tend to consider their variation to be the correct and true English. But when viewed from a different perspective each of these dialects is an important variation of English which requires to be given its respect and promoted. This dialect variation within a single language is not limited to English but experienced by every global language which sees a certain degree of twist to the language. This change could be governed by age, geographic location, culture and several other factors resulting in a richer variation of language.

To understand the full extent of language and dialect variations in sociolinguistic each of the aspect linked to determining the subtle differences shall be discussed.  The study will break down the topic into categories discussing different aspects of the language and the definition of dialect to understand the extracted context describing dialects. Examples of the different varieties of English dialects will also be discussed and the factors governing the differences. This will allow for a better understanding of the situation and provide a future outlook linked to developing language and dialects. Each of these is important to the communities and understanding their value is also very important to each of the cultures and societies using the dialect variation.

The research will look into different variations of English spoken across the globe with specific examples being provided regarding the different context and grammar use. This will draw a clear picture regarding sociolinguistic differences being experienced by each language where spoken tongues could either differ based on nationality, culture and even family backgrounds. Only by understanding each of the differences and factors which determine dialects can they are viewed as unique variations' of English.

1. Introduction 
The styles discussed in this English assignment at which languages are spoken tend to change over times and distance and its common to find even the native speakers of a specific language having different pronunciation (Deumert 2006, pp. 129–133). This is best observed in languages like English where the US and UK writing and speaking styles differ. But on investigating languages a little deeper it becomes clear the even communities who live much closer to each other tend to have different pronunciation and speaking styles. This is observed in many languages but to make the research easier to understand and relate to, the English Phonological Systoles and Dialects will be studied. English is the preferred language as it is the most commonly used language globally and most closely studied, thus making it the best sample for research.

1.1 Aim and Rationale: The study of English assignment aims to understand how languages tend to evolve and include changes to their syntax to make the languages simpler to adapt to the residents. In study interconnects how languages are interlinking their traditional language formations to adapted languages resulting in a new dialect being born. Dialects have for a long time been considered inferior forms of a Language but recent research shows the dialects are also compact language formations which require lots of effort to develop and perfect. The topic also attracts considerable interest due to the ability for languages to adapt and automatically modify themselves to fit a local speaker’s needs. Comparisons between the UK, US and Jamaican English will be closely examined to explain the differences experienced and what develops the differences. Each dialect is developed via infusing native syntax formation to the new language resulting in a new dialect being born thus making the topic complex and interesting to investigate and study (Britain 2009, pp. 121–155). 

1.2    Literature Review: As the majority of language dialects are not considered to be valid, it has become important to perform in-depth research to identify the true identity of each. To perform this study of English assignment in the best possible manner it is important to evaluate English due to its vast Use and a large number of Dialects. English itself is said to have been a Dialect of Cambric and England thus making it important to understand Dialects can evolve to become fully-fledged languages over time (Clopper & Pisoni 2008, pp. 312–337). Each language and Dialect must be recognised and closely studied to help identify and record how each of the different dialects can be promoted and preserved?

1.3 Structure of the assignment: The study will be broken down into three main categories used to define language and Dialect differences; these will further be broken down into sub-categories. The subcategories will help provide in-depth investigations and examples which will provide for much clearer explanations linked to Defining Language and Dialect and their differences.

2. Previous research
To perform the study of English assignment a combination of books, journals, studies and research publications shall be used to collect and discuss relevant DATA.  The main sources of information will be

Marks, J., Language death. New Scientist,

Labov, W. et al. Properties of the sociolinguistic monitor. Journal of Sociolinguistics.

Schaefer, U., Language Complexity as an Evolving Variable. Anglia - Zeitschrift für englische Philologie,

Számadó, S. & Szathmáry, E., Language evolution. PLoS Biology,

In addition to these research journals and book publications, studies performed on the topic will also help collect information linked to this subject.

3. Methodology
The Research paper will be compiled using a wide selection of material and research information from different sources linked to Language and Dialect. This will help develop a clearer understanding linked to the topic thus helping put together a much clearer research paper describing sociolinguistics and how it affects every global language today. The internet will also prove as an important source of information linked to understanding elasticity of a single language even while speakers live in the same community, tribes of the region (LOW 2006, pp.739–761). Examples from different English speakers will be provided but at the same time, other examples of languages from across the globe will be discussed to provide a clearer understanding linked to what causes the linguistic differences within a single language. It's also important to understand that each of these language's differences and strains is equally important to the main strain since they have also been developed around specific rules and guidelines. It's critical to therefor analyse and study each of the English strains and dialects while retaining respect for their evolution and what has caused their evolution.

Data linked to English dialects will also be gathered in form of tables, graphs to make it possible to describe how English has been adapted by different global communities and how each of them has infused their traditional language tones into making English of their traditional style.  Over the years, as English has continued being used in those nations the language has developed its distinct tone resulting in a unique form of English.

4. Language and Dialect Case Study in English assignment
To understand the effects of native languages on foreign languages like English a nation Like Jamaica will require to be closely examined. Today English in Jamaica has evolved to be called Creole and although it can be understood by many English speakers the language has experienced serious vocal as well as grammatical changes over the years. Today this English dialect cannot be read by most English speakers due to the different syntax and phonological formations creole has developed over the years. This has resulted in the language being considered as an individual Language due to its native users clearly understanding it while others not being able to communicate using the language. But at the same time, it cannot be classified as an independent language due to the language having branched of English during the time of its creation. But due to the language has evolved a unique and complex form of spoken and grammar, native speaker claim it requires independent definition. Below is a simple illustration of the Creole and English thus demonstrating the major grammatical differences between creole and English?

This identifies major differences in sentence formation between the two languages. This is just one English Dialect which has evolved and there are many more examples. English has grown to have the largest number of Dialects of all languages and this is associated with its widespread use across the globe. As English is introduced to a new region it tends to develop its dialect in the region since the local language and English must strict equilibrium to coexist. This results in English being modified by residents to fit their requirements.

5. Data Analysis in this English assignment
Language and Dialect have often been misunderstood to mean different things but the fact of the matter is that every language has grown to develop dialects within it. While some professionals will distinguish a language to be a form of communication which is unique and has developed its system of writing and reading, others would contest the decision. This makes the topic controversial resulting in that topic needing to be very closely studied to determine the true difference between language and dialects. Sociolinguistics is a topic which has raised many questions in the past which has resulted in the subject undergoing a lot of research to help determine some governing factors linked to the topic. There is still no specific boundary linked to determining the topic and what dictates each of the differences of whether they are accepted in society or not. It is still important to study whatever matter is available to help provide a better approach linked to the sociolinguistics. To do this the topic of English assignment will be broken down into three main topics namely – Linguistic Problems, Language Determining Criteria & Dialect Varieties. These will further be broken down into subcategories which will all be closely discussed to determine important features linked to each of the language and dialect determiners.

5.1 Linguistic Problems: Linguistic Problems linked to any language will vary in nature. Some of the differences are linked to the inability to understand a commonly spoken language while others are linked to the inability to read a dialect although speaking the language is common. The differences between language dialects are quite a sensitive topic which requires close analysis to understand their differences and what makes them vary in this manner (Lai & Bird 2009, pp. 53–73).

5.1.1  Spoken and Audio Differences within a Language: Languages tend to differ in many ways with the most obvious differences linked to dialects within a language being the Spoken and Audio differences within a single language. This is observed in languages like English where each community, culture and region has developed its English dialect strain. In most situations, the audio differences occur due to speakers interconnecting their traditional language pronunciation to English resulting in a differing tone but still communicable. This is observed between the English spoken in the USA and that of England. The same is applied for countries across the globe and especially those which have well-developed languages like India and China. In these situations discussed in English assignment, the language alphabets and pronunciation differs and the speakers tend to retain and infuse the pronunciation of their traditional language in English. This is occurring across the globe with countries like India experiencing many English speakers pronouncing the letter ‘Z’ as ‘J’. This result in word sounds changing considerably with a word being Zebra hearing like ‘Jebra’ but being written correctly as Zebra (LOW, 2006, pp.739–761). This results in verbal communication problems which require to be learned but over time the communication is made possible as even the listeners learn to make the differentiation. It’s also common to find the concerned people learning to make the adjustments and adapting the new pronunciation styles. This is the biggest difference between the different English dialects with most following the same writing and reading guidelines and requirements. This makes most of the English dialect communicable via writing as compared to via speaking.

5.1.2 Written and Reading Differences within a Language: English dialects also differ in the manner it's written and this is greatly observed in Jamaican creole which is considered to be a form of English which has changed both in its verbal as well as written formats. While English speakers may be able to understand certain words within a creole sentence they are unlikely to be able to read any words or sentences written in this form of English. This results in a serious conflict of dialects within a single Language thus requiring close analysis to understand. The same is experienced in other languages aside from English such as Chinese and German where certain language speakers will be able to understand specific dialects verbally communication but not be able to read the writing.

Dialects tend to adapt and combine several languages to develop a new language which may sound similar to the originals but come with several distinct differences. In the past, this was observed as a broken version of an original language, but this has recently defaulted since the languages have experienced serious changes which require in-depth study and effort to make rhyme and fit the users. Some like, ‘Jamaican Creole’ has grown to become the national language with most of the Jamaican population speaking the language which many other English speakers consider broken. Only when written content is provided to the Native English speaker does a major difference in the language suddenly surface.

5.1.3 Differing language syntax: The concept of Syntax mentioned in this English assignment involved the placement of words and use of grammar within a language. Most languages will have their syntax formation and while some may be similar to English, others differ greatly resulting in serious differences within the language.

English sentences are formed using:    Subject > Verb> Object -- Tom Reads Books

Japanese sentences are formed using: Subject> Object> Verb – Tom Books Read

This could result in seriously distorting languages but will; in many situations remain audio able where the listener may still be able to understand the sentences. This rule changes from language to language and has been identified as a major contributor to English dialect creation. Today English has grown to have the largest number of dialects spoken from a single language. This is due to the language being adopted by most nations across the globe and in the process being modified to be simpler for the people adopting the language to speak, hear, and write or read. The syntax complexity is not limited to English only and observed in all languages which have different variants linked to dialect styles (Collier et al. 2014, p. 281).

5.2 Language Determining Criteria: Languages and dialects mentioned in this English assignment can also be evaluated based on the several categories falling under the Language criterion. These cater to different aspects linked to the Languages and how it is a learner of the syntax of the language is provided. These criteria play an important role towards language development thus making it important to study each of the aspects closely to identify the main factors linked to a languages creation, teaching and development (Bishop & Hayiou-Thomas 2008, pp. 365–372).

5.2.1 Language Standardization: Language standardization involves the techniques and rules in which a language or Dialect are taught younger generations. With English standardization can be defined as the use of grammar books to teach English learners the techniques linked to using the language. Every well-developed language needs to have a standardized method of teaching the language to the next generation to retain the language’s essence (Zander et al. 2011, pp. 296–304).

5.2.2 Languages Vitality: language of dialect also requires having active speakers to qualify as a valid mode of communication. Some English dialects like Cockney remain in use in the UK, thus being classified as a valid dialect for evaluation and assessment while some like Hebrew is classified as getting extinct. Others like Cambric, Pictish & Fingalian has gone extinct altogether. Any language of dialect needs to have a stable number of speakers to ensure its growth and development in the future.

5.2.3 Languages Autonomy: Linguistic Autonomy mentioned in this English assignment refers to the level of difference and its support as compared to another language. In many situations, speakers of the main language will consider the dialects to be lower ranked variations of the language. A language’s intensity will usually determine its power but this is not limited to only speaking the language and also involves the written version of the language or dialect. This makes certain languages like Jamaican Creole superior to many other English Dialects due to the language having a unique spoken as well as written version (Costa et al. 2003, pp. 181–200).

5.2.4 Language Reduction: Reduction of languages involves word slurring or pronunciation which is a very important aspect linked to the determining or developing new dialects. As discussed earlier in this English assignment it's clear that English has been experiencing serious changes over the years which has resulted in the language changing and adapting many new aspects over the years. Every language must experience a reduction in one sort, due to traditional languages syntax effects on the version of English. This results in differing pronunciation which helps to determine the specific language dialect.

5.2.5 Language Norms: Norms are linked to every language and determine what is considered right and wrong when a language is spoken. While some languages will have specific guidelines link to the language others will take a freer approach linked to the language, this makes it very important for each language speaker to identify the different norms linked to a specific language strain to communicate correctly without aggravating the native speakers of the language. This is commonly experienced among several traditional languages where certain words are considered insulting while others are just normal observed by another strain of the same language.

5.3 Dialect Varieties: Dialects will also differ due to regional, social and phonological grounds. This is a much wider and more robust form of language variation and ranges from national to tribal and even family differences. It’s important to evaluate each of these aspects linked to linguistic variation which will help provide a better understanding linked to the differences of language and that of dialect (Britain 2009, pp. 121–155).

5.4 Regional Determiners: As discussed earlier in this English assignment, each region of culture will have its language and the languages will most probably vary about the syntax being used. This will result in each region developing a unique syntax being used in the local language and evolve to see English evolving to have a different pronunciation. This is not limited to English but being experienced by all languages across the globe where each is influenced by different aspect linked to traditional speaking styles, syntax and phonology to create a new version of sounding form of the language. In most situations, the new language will be dictated by the traditional syntax resulting in some unique forms of English which may be understood but directly indicate the person's regional origin. This could vary from region to region and mainly linked to the regions traditional language but this is not limited to regions and also affects individual family accents of English resulting in each family developing its unique form of English.

5.5 Social Determiners: The difference in the way a language is spoken is also influenced by social setting which affects the way people speak the language. The simplest form of this different tone being used by people within a professional setting is different from the language people speak at home.  It’s also common to find younger generations speaking more politely to elders as compared to how they would speak to an age-mate of a friend. This indicates that difference in social status also plays a huge role in the language or dialect spoke a person and also demonstrate that a person could have two to three different English dialects. Every person needs to observe the different approaches linked to language thus allowing for better understanding linked to Language and Dialect. In most situations, the differences are linked to the formality used during the use of a language whereby some situation may involve formal approaches linked to the language (Holtgraves & Kashima 2008, pp. 73–94).

5.6 Phonological Determiners: Phenology is another important aspect discussed in this English assignment linked to the style at which languages and dialects differ, this is due to the languages adopting different sentence and work arrangements. This is in most situations influenced by the traditional language spoken in a region adopting a new language. Since the regional tribes and societies already have a well-developed language in place, the language tends to influence how the people of the region speak and their pronunciation. It’s critical to understand every aspect linked to the languages is linked to personal background and how they speak the traditional languages. It’s very important to also recognise that each dialect and languages carry importance thus making it important that all as recognised and viewed from an equal stance (Gussenhoven & Jacobs 2005, pp. 75-90). Failing to recognise languages which have been developed over the decades will automatically result in losing a national heritage over time.

6. Discussion and Conclusion
Languages as discussed in this English assignment have come and gone and every language has had to adapt to a regional language over time thus resulting in every language having being adopted over time. Some global language like Sanskrit is thousands of years old and has remained closes the same over the period but has also experienced a certain degree of change over time. This demonstrates the language must evolve and this makes every language and all its dialects valid versions of a language. Each one requires to be observed equally and its heritage and origins carefully preserved to retain the dialects. Languages like the Jamaican creole have evolved over centuries since it was first introduced to Jamaica by English Explores. The language has evolved into an individual language over time thus showing the true power of languages and the ability to adapt and evolve to become independent and globally recognised languages (Hong & Wenzh0ng 2006, pp. 583–590).

References:
Bishop, D.V.M. & Hayiou-Thomas, M.E., 2008. Heritability of specific language impairment depends on diagnostic criteria. Genes, Brain and Behavior, 7, pp. 365–372.

Britain, D., 2009. One foot in the grave? Dialect death, dialect contact, and dialect birth in England. International Journal of the Sociology of Language, pp. 121–155.

Clopper, C.G. & Pisoni, D.B., 2008. Perception of Dialect Variation. In The Handbook of Speech Perception. pp. 312–337.

Collier, K. et al., 2014. English assignment Language evolution: syntax before phonology? Proceedings. Biological sciences / The Royal Society, 281, p. 20140263.

Costa, A. et al., 2003. On the autonomy of the grammatical gender systems of the two languages of a bilingual. Bilingualism: Language and Cognition, 6, pp. 181–200.

Desert, A., 2006. Migration and Language. In Encyclopedia of Language & Linguistics. pp. 129–133.

Gussenhoven, C. & Jacobs, H., 2005. Understanding phonology,

Holtgraves, T.M. & Kashima, Y., 2008. Language, meaning, and social cognition. Personality and social psychology review?: an official journal of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, Inc, 12, pp. 73–94.

Hong, C. & Wenzh0ng, S., 2006. The Usage of Two Dielectric Function Models. Journal of Semiconductors, 27, pp. 583–590.

Lai, C. & Bird, S., 2009. Querying linguistic trees. Journal of Logic, Language and Information, 19, pp. 53–73.

LOW, E.E.L., 2006. A Cross-Varietal Comparison of Deaccenting and Given Information: Implications for International Intelligibility and Pronunciation Teaching. TESOL Quarterly, 40, pp.739–761. Available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/40264306.

Scharinger, M. & Lahiri, A., 2010. English assignment Height differences in English dialects: consequences for processing and representation. Language and speech, 53, pp. 245–272.

Zander, L. et al., 2011. Standardization and contextualization: A study of language and leadership across 17 countries. Journal of World Business, 46, pp. 296–304.

Britain, D., 2009. One foot in the grave? Dialect death, dialect contact, and dialect birth in England. International Journal of the Sociology of Language, pp.121–155.