The Standard English Dialogue Page

Larry: Where did all these rules about grammar and all come from?

VK: I love the question, but I'm not sure I can completely answer it.

Larry: So answer part of it.

VK: Well, first you've got to understand that "correct" English is just one dialect, just one way of using English.

Larry: You mean I gotta learn more grammar?

VK: You already have.  You speak a dialect, you write a dialect, for which you already know the grammar rules perfectly.

Larry: So, how come I keep getting red marks on my paper.

VK: Because you are writing your papers in a formal situation--English class. 

Larry: Yeah, when I'm talking with my friends or writing my girl a note, it's no sweat.

VK: There are many different dialects, different ways of using English.  Each of them has its own rules, its own way of making language.

Larry: Sounds confusing!

VK: Sometimes it is. That's where "Standard English" comes in.  Standard English is a place where we can all use the same rules.

Larry: And since we all use the same rules...

VK: You got it!  We understand better. There's another curious thing about dialects. 

Larry: Wazzat?

VK:  When we use Standard English, we communicate the idea that this speech, this writing is important enough to be used in a formal situation.  You say to your reader/listener that you recognize its importance.

Larry: But what if your message isn't important?

VK: Or what if you use formal language in an informal situation?

Larry: Same thing. so what if?

VK: Sometimes communication breaks down. Think about speaking precise, formal English when you're hanging out with your friends?

Larry: They'd make fun of me. 

VK: Yup. And they should. You're using the wrong dialect for that time and place, for that audience.

Larry: So my English teacher acts the same way?

VK: Sure.  The "who" in "Who made up these rules?" is us.  We make the rules.  We make the rules through the ways we find best communicate our ideas for a particular time and place.

Larry: If I make the rules then why do I hate grammar? Wait a second. I think I know.  I don't know the rules of Standard English. It's a pain to learn them, especially when hanging out with my friends, using our language is so much fun.

VK: I like that! You haven't solved your Standard English issues, but at least you're understanding why Standard English has a use.

Larry: Hmmmm.  Sort of.  Not using Standard English on a formal paper is just like using formal Standard English with my buds. My buds would react the way my teachers do.

VK: "Buds?"

Larry: You know. Friends. Buddies!

VK: Thanks for the lesson about your dialect.

Larry: You're welcome, my man.

VK: You own me?

Larry: You are so dense sometimes!