Where did standard English originate?

Standard English originated in the London dialect of English, specifically the dialect spoken in the Southeastern region of England, around the 15th century.

Here's a breakdown of how it happened:

* The rise of London: London became the center of political and economic power in England, leading to its dialect becoming more influential.

* Printing Press: The invention of the printing press in the 15th century made it possible to print books in a standardized form. Early printing houses were located in London, and they used the London dialect in their publications.

* Royal Court and Government: The English royal court and government were based in London, and they used the London dialect for official purposes.

* Education: As the influence of London English grew, it became the dominant language in schools and universities.

* Literature: Prominent writers like Shakespeare adopted the London dialect, further solidifying its prestige.

Over time, this London-based dialect evolved into Standard English, becoming the accepted form of written and formal spoken English. However, it's important to remember that Standard English is just one variety of English among many. It's not inherently superior to other dialects, and countless other English dialects are rich and diverse.