The Standard English Dialogue Page
Larry: Where did all these rules about grammar and all come from?
VK: I love the question, but I'm not sure I can completely answer it.
Larry: So answer part of it.
VK: Well, first you've got to understand that "correct" English is just one dialect, just one way of using English.
Larry: You mean I gotta learn more grammar?
VK: You already have. You speak a dialect, you write a dialect, for which you already know the grammar rules perfectly.
Larry: So, how come I keep getting red marks on my paper.
VK: Because you are writing your papers in a formal situation--English class.
Larry: Yeah, when I'm talking with my friends or writing my girl a note, it's no sweat.
VK: There are many different dialects, different ways of using English. Each of them has its own rules, its own way of making language.
Larry: Sounds confusing!
VK: Sometimes it is. That's where "Standard English" comes in. Standard English is a place where we can all use the same rules.
Larry: And since we all use the same rules...
VK: You got it! We understand better. There's another curious thing about dialects.
Larry: Wazzat?
VK: When we use Standard English, we communicate the idea that this speech, this writing is important enough to be used in a formal situation. You say to your reader/listener that you recognize its importance.
Larry: But what if your message isn't important?
VK: Or what if you use formal language in an informal situation?
Larry: Same thing. so what if?
VK: Sometimes communication breaks down. Think about speaking precise, formal English when you're hanging out with your friends?
Larry: They'd make fun of me.
VK: Yup. And they should. You're using the wrong dialect for that time and place, for that audience.
Larry: So my English teacher acts the same way?
VK: Sure. The "who" in "Who made up these rules?" is us. We make the rules. We make the rules through the ways we find best communicate our ideas for a particular time and place.
Larry: If I make the rules then why do I hate grammar? Wait a second. I think I know. I don't know the rules of Standard English. It's a pain to learn them, especially when hanging out with my friends, using our language is so much fun.
VK: I like that! You haven't solved your Standard English issues, but at least you're understanding why Standard English has a use.
Larry: Hmmmm. Sort of. Not using Standard English on a formal paper is just like using formal Standard English with my buds. My buds would react the way my teachers do.
VK: "Buds?"
Larry: You know. Friends. Buddies!
VK: Thanks for the lesson about your dialect.
Larry: You're welcome, my man.
VK: You own me?
Larry: You are so dense sometimes!
