Characteristics
The only requirement for a variety to be standard is that it can frequently be used in public places or public discourse. The creation of a prescriptive standard language derives from a desire for national (cultural, political, and social) cohesion with this considered as requiring an agreed-upon, standardized language variety. Standard languages commonly feature:
- A recognized dictionary (standardized spelling and vocabulary)
- A recognized grammar
- A standard pronunciation (educated speech)
- A linguistic institution defining usage norms, e.g. Académie française, or Real Academia Española
- Constitutional (legal) status (frequently as an official language)
- Effective public use (court, legislature, schools)
- A literary canon
- Convenience speaking
- Popularity and acceptance in the community
- Population
Read more about this topic: Standard Language