Why use non-standard English?

This half term we have been studying

• the range of accent and dialect features found in British English
• recent changes in accents and dialects
• research about who uses non-standard (vernacular) forms

Even though everyone is taught Standard English at school, many people choose to use non-standard English and we have been exploring research and theory about why they do so.

Use the textbook and your workbook to review and revise what we have covered. Then use your blog to explain your answers to the question ‘Why do people use non-standard English?’

Spend some time planning first so that you can write with confidence and build an argument. Introduce relevant researchers and explain what they have found. You can also find interesting examples that will connect with your readers. Aim to cover as many reasons (with evidence) as you can – and aim to make your points easy-to-read and clear for your non-specialist readers. You should find the articles from The London Evening Standard about Kerswill’s research and the links with social identity will help as well.

How was it for you?

Now that you have tried collecting some data for research, take a moment to reflect on your experience. Use your blog to 'tell the story' of your data collection and include advice for anyone attempting a similar task. Aim to make this conversational, witty and amusing - but also address the technical issues you have been learning about.

How do you say....

You may have heard about the British Library survey about the different ways people pronounce common words. If not, check out this BBC Magazine article and watch the piece that was shown on TV News.

The expectation is that the differences will be linked to age. What do you think? Do younger people pronounce words differently from older people?

This is a good example of a high-profile scientific survey. The researchers have a defined list of words they want to check and are asking people to read a passage from the children's book 'Mr Tickle'. How else could they have checked pronunciation? What information do you think they would want to record about the people who respond? Could you make a chart to complete to show responses of individuals?

The British Library survey is timed to publicise a new exhibition about the story of our English Language which starts later this month. The press and internet have found lots of angles on the story - well worth exploring! Try BBC News and the Guardian as a start. The Guardian has a video clip showing how much the Queen's pronunciation has changed since the beginning of her reign. The British Library webpage for the exhibition is disappointing as it's just a way in to booking.

Have a go at doing your own survey. Use the same words and investigate the different ways people pronounce them. Are they right about age being the significant variable, or are there other factors in play here?