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.