standard language

A 'standard language' is a codified and institutionally promoted form of a language, often used in formal settings and regarded as the most correct variety.

πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ US Voice:
πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ UK Voice:

Definition

C1Sociolinguistics

(formal, academic)A variety of a language that has undergone formal codification and is used in public, educational, and official contexts.

Example

  • In many countries, the standard language is taught in schools and used in government documents.
  • The media often adopts the standard language to reach the widest audience.

C1Linguistics

(technical)A language form that has been standardized through dictionaries, grammar books, and pronunciation guides, serving as a reference for correct usage.

Example

  • Authoritative dictionaries play a crucial role in defining the standard language.
  • The standard language often includes a recognized standard of pronunciation.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "standard language":

working languageconstructed languagetarget languagefirst languagenative languageliterary languagelogical languageartificial languagecommunity languageobject languageprivate languageghost languagesource languagesymbolic languageforeign languageheritage languagelanguage game