The Evolution of Standard English

The name Standard English is rather tricky and controversial Many argue that a
standard language is only theoretical and that it is a practical impossibility.
Standardisation or uniformity is possible to a certain extent in grammar, syntax,
and even vocabulary. But in the case of pronunciation. each person or each locality
has its own variations. The spoken form varies so much that sometimes it is even
difficult to understand each other. For example. London Cockney differs much
from early Scottish English or Yorkshire dialect. Moreover, what is slang and
vulgar in one particular period may become acceptable later. Words like cab, taxi
etc., have now become acceptable though they were slang few years before. But in
spite of these differences and peculiarities, we find there is an accepted form of
English, which stands above the local or regional dialects and is spoken by the
educated people from whatever locality or social class they come This is Standard
English or King's English, the linguistic currency of the realm.
Wyld defines Standard English as the language spoken within certain social
boundaries, with an extraordinary degree of uniformity all over the country. But
this definition does not hold good, as good English is no longer the monopoly or
distinguishing mark of one social class. Daniel Jones defines Standard English as
the form of speech most usually heard in everyday speech in the families of
Southern England, whose menfolk have been educated in the great public schools.
He implies two facts, that Standard English is the form used by the educated
classes and that it is based on the language of Southern England.
Standard English has grown and developed from the East Midland dialect spoken
in and around London. This dialect gained pre eminence over the other dialects, as
London was the scat of the court of administration, the centre of national life, and
the focus of social and intellectual activities Again. it was this East Midland variety
that was used in the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge Chaucer. by writing in
East Midland and Caxton by using it in his early printed works, also gave a sort of
superiority to this dialect Moreover. East Midland stood between the two extremes,
the Southern dialects which were extremely conservative reluctant to change the
old forms, and the Northern dialects ready to changes and innovations. East
Midland, less progressive than the Northem dialects. but more advanced than the
Southern was comprehensible to the speakers of the South and North.

Some other factors which helped in the evolution of Standard English were the
following. (a) The invention of printing which fixed to a considerable degree the
vocabulary, grammar and spelling of the language. (b) The Authorised Version of
the Bible also had a great formative influence on the language Much of its phrasing
and rhythm sank into the mind of the reader/listener and became a part of every
day speech (c) Dr Johnson's Dictionary (1755) also rendered valuable service to the
language Besides bringing some sort of order in the confusion that existed in
English spelling in the 17th and early 18th centuries. Dr. Johnson also
distinguished between reputable words and low words and illustrated their usage.
(d) Other factors which have contributed to the evolution of Standard English are
the increased contacts between the various social classes the spread of reading and
education among all classes and the advent of the wireless.
Modern Standard English is based chiefly on Anglo-Saxon foundation -75% of the
words in Modem English are Anglo-Saxon In spite of large scale borrowings at
different periods from Latin French, Greek and other languages of the world.
English has managed to preserve its native purity During the Renaissance period.
there was a tendency for extreme Latinisation and artificiality in style and diction.
But very soon, during the Commonwealth period. when the Puritans came to
power, there was an attempt to keep the language austere and simple and to do
away with all courtly affectation and Latinisms. The Bible was looked upon as the
model and many writers during this period tried to capture the rhythm. simplicity
and harmony of the language of the Bible. The Restoration, which followed, again
exposed the language to Europe. particularly France. A number of French words
passed into English but writers in England felt that language should be fixed and
refined There were several proposals to correct and improve the English language
by setting up a society on the model of the Academies in Italy and France. The
Royal Society founded in 1662, though mainly scientific in its interest, did much to
cleanse and purify the English tongue Writers like Dryden were members of this
society. There were proposals for compiling a grammar and lexicon and for
spelling reform. Dr. Johnson's Dictionary, in spite its imperfections was the first
attempt at providing a standard for good and correct English However, he preferred
to leave "the orthography of our ancestors untouched".
After Dr. Johnson. there were several attempts at compiling dictionaries, aiming at
correctness and precision in keeping with the Augustan spirit. The 19th century
saw the growth of individualism, industrialisation and free trade, which in turn, led
to an enormous growth of vocabulary. It became necessary for people to exploit the
classical languages and form a number of words of a scientific and technical
nature. Side by side with the introduction of foreign words there was a demand for
purification of the language by excluding foreign terms. Many writers like Carlyle,
Ruskin, Tennyson and others modelled their writings on the Authorised Version.
William Morris even went to the extent of replacing such common words as
Dictionary by word book. But this did not gain currency, whereas handbook and
foreword exist side by side with manual and preface. The 20th century attitude
seems to be one of compromise. conservative in matters relating to spelling. bul
progressive in matters relating to vocabulary. Though no whims and fancies are
allowed in orthography as in the ME period, usage or custom is allowed to have the
final say. Hence the alternative spellings judgement and judgment and the
alternative pronunciations of controversy, respite etc.
Standard English, therefore, does not imply standardisation or complete fixation,
realising the fact that language is changing and IS developing and hence what is
slang today may become respectable tomorrow. Language is always in a flux. In
these modern days. Standard English has a lot of flexibility, with a good range of
variation, since there are a number of national (eg American Australian etc.) as
well as non-native (eg: the South Asian varieties) varieties of English. Recent
developments in travel and communication have made the world smaller, fostering
a spirit of tolerance and compromise. The BBC. has helped in spreading a good
standard variety of English across the world. American English has gained
prominence and some have accepted the American Standard as the standard variety
of English. Thus the term Standard English is no more restricted in sense as it used
to be in the 18th or 19th century. The evolution of Standard English, however, is a
standing testimony to the adaptability of the genius of English which has gained
momentum over the centuries with every passing trend.