Arguments in favor of ASE's importance:
* Communication and Clarity: ASE provides a common language that allows people from different regions and backgrounds to understand each other. This is essential for communication in education, business, and government.
* Education and Employment: Proficiency in ASE is often seen as a requirement for success in many fields, including education, law, and medicine. This can give individuals from diverse backgrounds a level playing field.
* National Identity: Some argue that a standardized language fosters a sense of national unity and shared identity.
* Preservation of History and Literature: ASE serves as a basis for preserving and understanding American literature and history.
Arguments against ASE's importance:
* Linguistic Diversity: Critics argue that ASE promotes linguistic uniformity and stifles diversity. They believe that regional dialects and accents are valuable and should be respected.
* Social Justice: Some see ASE as a tool of oppression, as it can disadvantage speakers of non-standard varieties of English.
* Artificiality: Critics argue that ASE is an artificial construct that does not reflect the way English is actually spoken by most Americans.
* Shifting Norms: The boundaries of ASE are constantly evolving, making it difficult to define and enforce.
Conclusion:
The importance of American Standard English is a complex issue with no easy answers. While it plays a significant role in communication and professional success, it's also important to acknowledge and respect the linguistic diversity of the United States. Ultimately, the ideal approach likely involves promoting understanding and acceptance of various English dialects while recognizing the practical importance of ASE in certain contexts.
It's worth noting that discussions about language and its standardization often touch upon sensitive topics like race, class, and power. These discussions should be approached with respect and open-mindedness.