(3) The societal axis. In a language consisting of a multiplicity of dialects, --1
history would appear to show that the dialect of the elitist group in the
society usually develops as the standard language. Present-day standard """
English, for example, originates from the language spoken at the Royal
Court in London in the fourteenth century. This may cause a conflict
between various criteria, as an elitist dialect is not necessarily numerically
the strongest, the one most free of external influence, or the most developed.
The choice of the norm depends upon the question of priorities and the·- !
degree to which the elitist group is capable of influencing the relevant .,;
authorities.