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The issue is particularly complicated because English has become the most widely used language in the world, and therefore it is the language most subject to alteration by non-native speakers. The issue is particularly complicated because English has become the most widely used language in the world, and therefore it is the language most subject to alteration by non-native speakers.


The two most common recognised varieties of English are ] (including British-based varieties of English spoken in ], ], and ]) and ]. However, the various historical migrations of English-speaking populations, colonisation and attendant effects such as ], the use of English as a ] or trade language and its widespread use internationally has given rise to many local varieties of English. The two most common recognised varieties of English are ] (which very broadly includes the British-based dialects of English spoken in ], ], and ]) and ]. However, the various historical migrations of English-speaking populations, colonisation and attendant effects such as ], the use of English as a ] or trade language and its widespread use internationally has given rise to many local varieties of English.
Standard English is a language, not an accent: that is, it refers to a set of words, grammar, and linguistic sounds, not to a particular pronunciation. Standard English is a language, not an accent: that is, it refers to a set of words, grammar, and linguistic sounds, not to a particular pronunciation.


Revision as of 06:47, 28 April 2006

Dialects and accents of Modern English by continent
Europe
Great
Britain
England
North
Midlands
South
Scotland
Wales
Ireland
Americas
North
America
Canada
United
States
Social and
ethno-cultural
Caribbean
Oceania
Australia
Africa
Asia
East Asia
South Asia
Southeast Asia
Related

Standard English is a general term for a form of written and spoken English that is considered the model for educated people by native English speakers. There are no set rules or vocabulary for "Standard English" because, unlike languages such as French or Dutch, English does not have a governing body (see Académie française, Dutch Language Union) to establish usage. As a result, the concept of "standard English" tends to be fluid. Various regional and national "standards" exist.

The issue is particularly complicated because English has become the most widely used language in the world, and therefore it is the language most subject to alteration by non-native speakers.

The two most common recognised varieties of English are British English (which very broadly includes the British-based dialects of English spoken in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa) and American English. However, the various historical migrations of English-speaking populations, colonisation and attendant effects such as creolisation, the use of English as a lingua franca or trade language and its widespread use internationally has given rise to many local varieties of English. Standard English is a language, not an accent: that is, it refers to a set of words, grammar, and linguistic sounds, not to a particular pronunciation.

See also

External links

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