Standard English

This section explains what is meant by Standard English and why it should be used in formal settings. Standard English is the variety of English most widely understood by a broad audience, regardless of their regional background or age. It’s the form of English used in formal contexts, such as academic writing, news reports, official documents, and professional settings. While it isn’t the “only” form of English, nor necessarily the “correct” form, Standard English is important for effective communication in situations where clear understanding is crucial, especially when addressing large or unfamiliar audiences.

Standard English is characterised by consistent grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation that are recognised as ‘neutral’, meaning they are not specific to any one geographical area or social group. This makes it the ideal form of language for official tasks, such as GCSE Speaking and Listening exams, where the aim is for your message to be clearly understood by everyone, regardless of background or location.

Why Use Standard English?

Standard English helps ensure that everyone can understand what is being said. Whether you are delivering a speech, writing an essay, or participating in a formal discussion, using Standard English ensures clarity and reduces the likelihood of confusion. In certain situations, such as job interviews, formal presentations, or public speaking, it is expected that you use this more neutral, widely understood form of English.

• For example, if you were giving a presentation on climate change, using Standard English would ensure that your audience, regardless of their region or background, would be able to follow and engage with your points.

Informal Language vs Standard English

While Standard English is used in formal situations, informal language is appropriate in more casual, everyday interactions. Informal language tends to be more relaxed and may include colloquialisms, slang, or regional expressions that are unique to certain groups or social contexts.

• Colloquialisms: These are words or phrases commonly used in everyday conversation but may not be understood by everyone outside of a particular group or region. For example, you might refer to a friend’s sports shoes using the term ‘trainers’ in the UK, but in other parts of the world, they might be referred to as ‘sneakers’ or ‘runners’.
• Slang and Idiolect: Slang refers to informal, often playful language used by certain groups, especially younger people or those from particular social groups. Idiolect refers to the specific way that an individual speaks, which might include slang words that are unique to them. For example, your friends might say “gonna” instead of “going to” or “ain’t” instead of “am not” in everyday conversation.

While these forms of informal language are acceptable in personal interactions, they are not suitable in formal contexts. In a formal presentation or exam, you would be expected to use Standard English, avoiding informal contractions like “gonna” or “ain’t”, as well as slang words like “innit” or “yo”.

• Example: In an informal conversation with friends, you might say: "I’m gonna go to the shop, innit?" However, in a formal setting, it would be more appropriate to say, “I am going to the shop” to ensure your language is clear and professional.

Dialect and Regional Variations

Dialect refers to the variations in language that are specific to particular geographical areas or social groups. These can include different vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar structures. For example, a person from Newcastle in the UK might use the word ‘gadgie’ to mean a man, which would be easily understood by locals but unfamiliar to others outside the region.

In some cases, using dialect in formal situations can create confusion or make your message less accessible to a wide audience. Therefore, when choosing whether to use dialect words, it's important to consider your audience and purpose. While dialect expressions might be acceptable in informal settings or when speaking to people who share the same background, they are typically not used in Standard English contexts.

• Example: In a formal speech or academic writing, you would avoid using regional dialects like “gadgie” or “bairn” (child in some Northern dialects). Instead, you would use Standard English terms like “man” and “child,” which are universally understood.

Contractions in Standard English

In Standard English, it is generally acceptable to use contractions, but these should be more formal than in casual speech. For instance, while "I’m" for “I am” or "don’t" for “do not” are perfectly acceptable in formal contexts, informal contractions such as "gonna" for “going to” or "ain’t" for “am not” are more suited to informal speech.

• Example: In a formal presentation, it would be appropriate to say “I’m here to discuss the importance of recycling” rather than “I’m gonna talk about recycling.” Similarly, you might say, “I don’t think we’ve explored all options yet,” rather than “I don’t think we’ve explored all options yet, innit?”

When to Use Standard English

You should use Standard English in any formal situation where clarity and understanding are paramount. These include:

• Public Speaking: Whether in a debate, presentation, or speech, using Standard English ensures your message is accessible to everyone.
• Written Exams and Essays: In written assignments for exams or essays, Standard English will demonstrate your ability to use language appropriately and effectively.
• Job Interviews: Speaking in Standard English helps you present yourself as articulate, professional, and capable.
• Formal Letters or Emails: Writing formally to a potential employer, university, or official institution requires the use of Standard English to ensure clarity and professionalism.

In these contexts, you should aim to avoid slang, colloquial language, and dialect unless it is relevant to the topic or setting.

Summary

Standard English is a formal variety of the language that is widely understood by speakers from different regions and social backgrounds. It is most appropriate for formal situations and helps ensure clear, effective communication, especially in settings like academic work, public speaking, or job interviews. Informal language, on the other hand, is more relaxed and used in casual, personal contexts, and while it’s an important part of everyday communication, it should be avoided in formal situations where clarity and professionalism are required. Always consider your audience and purpose when deciding whether to use Standard English or informal language.