Spoken/written forms Standard English

What did we look at last week? We discussed the formats of newspapers and letters, looking at language variation in different contexts. (When do we use specific language and why?) Following on from last weeks session we will look at other aspects of language including Standard English.

Standard English We dress differently when we go out with friends to how we would dress for an important interview. Similarly, we change our language to suit the context - if we want to get the job! Standard English is formally and grammatically correct English. It is the written equivalent of wearing a smart suit. You are expected to use Standard English in all your English exams. This means not using slang, informal, or chatty language, and it means making sure such things as your verbs are in agreement. Have a look at how non-Standard English translates into Standard English. 

Kids………………………………………………….Children Blokes………………………………………………Men We was goin’ out to this Caff………………..We were going to the Café. There was two of us…………………………..There were two of us. She gave him an ear-full……………………..She told him off. Lady Macbeth was off her nut…………..Lady Macbeth was mad. Chatty………………………………………………..Talkative.

When can I use Non-Standard English? The only part of your English exam where you can use non-standard English is in the narrative writing, but it pays to be cautious. Only use non-standard forms when you are writing direct speech, or if you have been asked to use that format (friendly letter). That way, the examiner can see that you are consciously adapting language to create specific effects. Writing speech for characterisation

Can you identify the difference? Look at the following sentences and re-write them using Standard English. We done some solid work in school today. Me and Jo was off down the park. I seen you down town the other day. You got a screw loose you have. I like you new hair cut it’s lush. I’ll be over to see you now in a minute. I da think tha’s a waste of time. Claire was tamping earlier. Where is the babies dum dum? Did you see that bloke with that little kid today?

What do you think these words mean? Other aspects of language… Two other important aspects of language are: Accent Dialect & What do you think these words mean?