Chapter 2 – Spoken English and Standard English
Consider the following statements and click to reveal the answer.
1. What is Standard English?
Answer:
Standard English is largely a matter of using certain grammar, vocabulary and, when written, spelling. It can be spoken in most English accents and does not have a correct pronunciation.
2. What three variations affect spoken English?
Answer:
Historical, regional and individual variations affect spoken English.
3. Explain the two main elements of regional variation.
Answer:
In regional variation:
a) Dialect is the grammar and vocabulary of language spoken in a particular region.
b) Accent is the way in which words are pronounced.
4. What is ‘language register’?
Answer:
‘Language register’ is the way in which speakers/writers use different words and grammatical formations depending on the situation in which they are communicating.
5. How can children be helped to recognise and practise the use of Standard English and other dialects?
Answer:
Children can be helped to recognise and practise the use of Standard English and other dialects through speaking and listening tasks about texts in pairs, groups, whole-class activities and drama sessions.
