regional variation in language
The standard language
When we investigated the sounds, words and structures of language in earlier
chapters, we were concentrating on the features of only one variety, usually
called the standard language If we are thinking of that general variety used in public broadcasting in the
United States, we can refer more specifically to Standard American English or,
in Britain, to Standard British English. In other parts of the world, we can talk
about other recognized varieties such as Standard Australian English, Standard
Canadian English or Standard Indian English.
Accent and dialect
Whether we think we speak a standard variety of English or not, we all speak
with an accent. It is a myth that some speakers have accents while others do
not
Example
A: How long are youse here?
B: Till after Easter.
(Speaker A looks puzzled.)
A: We came on Sunday.
B: Ah. Youse’re here a while then.