IN my previous column, I discussed the nature of language standards. In this column, I wish to highlight what a standard language is not — or quite possibly, dispel what most people think it is but should not be. When I talk about standard languages in this column, I have in mind the well-codified languages English and Filipino/Tagalog, although I am sure the regional lingua francas have been covertly standardized as they are being used in print relatively frequently, too.
Of the many points I want to say, the most important is that a standard language must not be used as an instrument to discriminate against people. Indeed, being able to speak and write in the standard language tells so much about an individual. First and foremost, the most common assumption one can make of someone able to speak and write in the standard language is that he or she is educated or even well-educated. This is not unfounded, and standard language is usually taught and learned in school. Even if one comes from a wealthy family, standard language — most especially its written form — could not simply be acquired from the environment. One must undergo some process of refinement before he or she is able to speak and write in a standard language. Having said this, I need to add that another assumption people can make when encountering an individual so comfortable in using the standard language is that he or she is wealthy. But as I have said, standard language cannot simply be acquired in the environment. So, it is less likely to be assumed that one is rich rather than educated when that person speaks and writes a standard language.
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