LIN204H1 Chapter Notes -Robert Lowth, Hypercorrection, Jonathan Swift
Document Summary
knowing a language can occur at diff levels. knowing a language so you can use it . Is not the same as knowing a language so you can explain how it works. Another reason people study grammar of english is to find out what is correct Some forms of english = higher social value. Linguistically - no one form is better than another. Some signal lower class or lower education vice versa. Standard american english = form of english in public discourse in usa. Recognized as english of educated, irrespective of region, gender or ethnicity. English - like any language - is not just a set of rules. It is a product of human behavior over hundreds of years and continue to evolve. Variation in terms of "correctness", "acceptability", and "normality" Regional differences e. g. southerners say pin and pen alike.