Language and dialect appear as a common issue in the study of linguistics because it is the main channel of communication. There are language attributes that exist depending on the type of language or dialect. Some languages are considered to be for the lower class while other are for people in the high class. There are some standardized languages such as English, which are commonly used no matter the geographical location.
The most common attribute about English is that it is easy to understand and portrays a high level of literacy. However, after taking the linguistics class, some attributes of the English language changed. The language is commonly used and does not portray the level of literacy as it is mostly learned at home. One does not have to attend classes to understand English. However, for people who have different dialects, English must be taught so that they use the correct spellings and grammar.
One of the common foreign dialects in English is the African American English that mainly contains slang words. The attributes considered with the African American Vernacular English is that it often sounds unprofessional. The grammar and the vocabulary do not conform to the Standardized English language. The African American Vernacular Language is associated with the origin of the African American People and the stereotypes that accompany the community (Akmajian, 156). It may contribute to the attribute that their language appears more of street language than official or professional language.
In learning to speak specific languages, parents play a major role as children grow and learn to communicate. The children understand the first language that the parents and family communicate through until they attend a school where they can understand more foreign languages. Therefore, teachers also participate in influencing students on language attitudes.
Work Cited
Akmajian, Adrian. Linguistics: An Introduction to Language and Communication. Cambridge,
MA: MIT, 1995. Print.
