standard language

A standard language (also standard dialect or standardized dialect) is a language variety used by a group of people in their public discourse.^[1] Alternatively, varieties become standard by undergoing a process of standardization, during which it is organized for description in grammars and dictionaries and encoded in such reference works.^[1] Typically, varieties that become standardized are the local dialects spoken in the centers of commerce and government, where a need arises for a variety that will serve more than local needs. A standard language can be either pluricentric^[2] (e.g. English, German, Serbo-Croatian, French, and Portuguese) or monocentric (e.g. Icelandic).^[3]
A standard written language is sometimes termed by the German word Schriftsprache.

Characteristics

The only requirement for a variety to be standard is that it can frequently be used in public places or public discourse.^[1] 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.^{[citation needed]} 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^[4]
• Popularity and acceptance in the community^[4]
• Population^[4]