Language standardization: Difference between revisions
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Revision as of 17:51, 24 January 2023
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 legitimisation and institutionalisation 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
Einar Haugen presented four stages of language standardization:[2] These stages are not linearly ordered, but happen as an ongoing process.
Selection
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
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
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
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
- Provides a common model for communication within the speaker community.
- Unifies a speaker community
