Language standardization
A standardized language is one that has been codified, often coinciding with the production of dictionaries and grammars. The process of standardization involves making decisions on what is acceptable in a language and what is not. Sociologist Glyn Williams has defined it as "‘a sociopolitical process involving the legitimization and institutionalization of a language variety as a feature of sanctioning of that variety as socially preferable".[1] This can be a potential challenge in efforts of language maintenance, revival, or revitalization.
Process of standardization[edit | edit source]
Einar Haugen presented four stages of language standardization:[2] These stages are not linearly ordered, but happen as an ongoing process.
Selection[edit | edit source]
Standardization is an attempt to minimize variability within a language and involves the community acceptance of a language model to act as an idealized norm for which language usage to aspire to. The selection of this norm can prove difficult in languages that have more than one variety, as the choice of one variety to act as the standard means the favoring of the speakers of that variety and the rejection of those who speak other varieties. This can greatly effect the power dynamics of a community.
Acceptance[edit | edit source]
Acceptance of the selected norms by the community is required for successful standardization. This acceptance is achieved through the promotion, spread, establishment, and enforcement of the standardized norms by institutions and authorities, such as schools, churches, media, and cultural and political leadership.
Elaboration[edit | edit source]
A standardized language must be able to express the entire range of concepts, both concrete and abstract, relevant to human life. Elaboration refers to the development of the lexicon and grammar to achieve this. As traditional languages become codified and acceptable for use in spheres such as government or academia, new words are adopted. This provides for "maximal variation in function".
Codification[edit | edit source]
This refers to the creation of grammars, dictionaries, manuals, textbooks, and other materials in which the selected norms are instituted and systematized.
| Form | Function | |
|---|---|---|
| Society | Selection | Acceptance |
| Language | Codification | Elaboration |
"Maximal variation in function, minimal variation in form"
Advantages[edit | edit source]
- Improved communication and understanding among speakers of the standardized language
- Facilitation of the spread of information and education and in conducting business and trade
- Promotion of a shared cultural identity
- Greater ease in the development of technology and software for the language
- Improved accessibility for traditionally marginalized communities.
Disadvantages[edit | edit source]
- Loss of linguistic diversity
- Possibility of imposing the dominant dialect or cultural values on minority language speakers
- Possibility of linguistic prescriptivism, which can stifle creativity and individual expression
- Loss of regional or cultural identity associated with non-standardized dialects or languages.
- The possibility of creating linguistic homogeneity, which can lead to the suppression of minority languages and cultures.
- The possibility of creating a divide between those who can speak the standardized language and those who cannot.
