What is taught in high school English classes?  Various publishers differ on minute details of punctuation or usage of some words.  Still, with the standardized tests as assessments used to determine learning and academic prowess, it seems only logical that some knowledge of a standard English is necessary.   

Other standard languages present fewer complicating factors. The pre-eminence of Parisian French has reigned largely unchallenged throughout the history of recent French literature. In British English, the standard Received Pronunciation is based on the language of the upper classes in the London area, and is based on the sociolect that comes out of the British private boarding schools.

 

In the United States, there are variations of American English throughout but the General American accent is considered unofficial because it is perceived as accentless by most Americans.  (wikipedia.org)

I find this subject fascinating simply because communication is what connects us as people.  Have you ever tried to communicate with someone whose language you cannot understand?  It can be completely frustrating, for sure!  Communication is also much more than just a series of words strung together.  There are numerous ways words can be strung together to say different things.  Consider the following (from David Crystal's The Stories of English): 

• the man the woman saw
• the woman the man saw
• the woman saw the man
• saw the woman the man
• saw the man the woman

Depending on the word order chosen, the meaning is completely changed.  Over the centuries, our language has simplified according to our culture. It is far less specific, challenging, and communicative than in ages past. For example, today, in the US, our culture is "instant".  We want everything NOW!  So, our language has also become concise and, in my opinion, bland. 

"It is enough to tell you that as some of my worst comrades, who are out of the way of doing me harm (having gone out of the world by the steps and the string, as I often expected to go), knew me by the name of Moll Flanders, so you may give me leave to go under that name till I dare own who I have been, as well as who I am."  (Defoe, Moll Flanders)

Today, Moll might have simply said, "Call me Moll Flanders.  Everyone else does."  Yet, we comprehend what is said even though it was written in 1722.  Our basic language structure has not changed but for some spellings and minor pronunciations.  Still, the written language is usually something different than the spoken which adapts to the audience and function of the communication.  We speak differently to our families and friends than we do, generally, in an academic or business surrounding.  We speak differently online than we do face to face.  So again I ask ... Do we need a defined standard American English language?

Interesting huh?  I guess I found my paper topic!  lol

~ B