... on their ability to speak it, when so little appears to be known about what it is and when it is defined only as 'not speaking non-standard English'". Bex & Watts 1999. P.165. Despite no clear definition, we are forced to look at the linguistic, social and educational implications and benefits, that having this 'standard' gives rise to. Language change is a linguistic issue arising in the debate. It has been suggested that: "The chief linguistic characteristic of standardisation is suppression of optional variation at all levels of language. Standardisation is therefore partly aimed at preventing or inhibiting linguistic change." Milroy & Milroy 1985. P.30. Just as standardisation causes problems for linguistics, linguistics cause problems for a standard: "Linguistic change, especially in phonology and grammar, originates in speech rather than in writing: it is thus characteristic of spoken forms to be perpetually in a state of change." Milroy & Milroy 1985, P.47. So, does this linguistic ...

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