1. Codification and Prescription: This refers to the process of standardizing language through dictionaries, grammar books, and style guides. These resources establish norms for spelling, grammar, and vocabulary, and prescribe rules for how the language should be used. This process helps to create a common, standardized form of the language.
2. Social Prestige and Power: Standard English is often associated with social prestige, power, and education. It's the language used in formal settings like government, education, and the media, and often seen as a marker of social status. This influence can be seen as a result of historical factors, such as the rise of England as a global power.
3. Regional and Dialectal Influence: While standard English attempts to establish uniformity, it's not a monolithic entity. It's influenced by regional dialects and variations in usage. For example, American English differs from British English in terms of pronunciation, vocabulary, and spelling. This acknowledgment of regional influences is important to understand the evolution and diversity within "standard" English.
It's crucial to remember that:
* No one "dialect" is inherently superior: Standard English is a social construct, not an objective measure of linguistic correctness.
* Language is constantly evolving: Standard English is not static. It adapts to changing societal needs and influences, making it an ongoing process.
Therefore, these criteria should be understood as factors contributing to the development and recognition of a standardized form of English, while recognizing the complexity and fluidity of the language itself.