What makes English “correct”? Is it grammar, authority, tradition, or power?
In this episode of Literary Rides, we examine how Standard English was historically codified through dictionaries and grammar manuals, often reflecting the speech patterns of social elites. From the prescriptive rules of eighteenth-century grammarians to the modern debates between descriptive linguistics and linguistic gatekeeping, the discussion reveals how language norms are shaped by history and hierarchy.
We explore symbolic power, linguistic capital, global English varieties such as Indian and Nigerian English, and the Plain English movement’s attempt to make public communication more accessible. The episode also considers how digital communication continues to reshape grammatical conventions.
Designed as a comprehensive study guide for postgraduate students, UGC NET aspirants, researchers, and educators, this masterclass clarifies the politics of “correct English” while foregrounding linguistic diversity and social justice.
An essential exploration of how language standards are made—and why they matter.
