What Makes a Language... a Language?

Have you ever wondered what truly distinguishes a language from a dialect? It's a question that delves into the fascinating intersection of linguistics, politics, and culture. While mutual intelligibility might seem like a logical criterion, the reality is far more complex.

The Illusion of Mutual Intelligibility

Consider the example of Mandarin and Cantonese, often referred to as Chinese dialects outside of China. These two forms of speech are more dissimilar than Spanish and Italian, yet they're frequently grouped together. Conversely, speakers of Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish—recognized as distinct languages—can often communicate with ease.

So, what's the real difference?

The Politics of Language

Surprisingly, the distinction between a language and a dialect often has little to do with linguistic features like pronunciation or vocabulary. Instead, it's largely a matter of politics.

The Rise of Standardized Languages

The concept of a standardized language emerged alongside European nation-states around the 1500s. To establish centralized governments, clear territorial boundaries, and state-sponsored education systems, many nations promoted a standardized language. This was usually based on the speech of the capital, while other forms were often relegated to inferior status.

This tradition spread globally through European colonization and continues today.

Case Study: Italy

Italy, for example, has numerous regional dialects. The Florentine dialect became Standard Italian when the country unified in 1861. This was because influential authors like Dante and Machiavelli used it, associating it with a desirable Italian national identity.

Later, Benito Mussolini's fascist regime further emphasized language standardization, prohibiting other forms of speech from the public sphere and portraying them as backward.

Language as a Gatekeeper

Standard languages often act as gatekeepers in various aspects of life, from job applications to court testimonies. A 1999 study revealed that landlords responded differently to apartment inquiries based on the speaker's form of speech. Callers using African-American Vernacular English (AAVE) faced higher rejection rates compared to those using so-called Standard American English.

The Validity of All Varieties

It's crucial to recognize that all forms of speech, including AAVE, follow consistent grammatical rules and are just as sophisticated as other forms of a language. Linguists often prefer the term "varieties" to describe different forms of speech, emphasizing that languages are composed of diverse varieties.

The Murky Dividing Line

English, for instance, encompasses varieties like Standard British and American English, AAVE, Nigerian English, and Malaysian English, each with its unique history and characteristics. However, the line between these varieties is often blurred.

A Linguistic Continuum

Human language is dynamic and ever-evolving, resisting neat categorization. Forms of speech often exist on a linguistic continuum, overlapping with others and exhibiting gradual differences.

This inherent complexity is part of what makes human communication so dynamic, diverse, and dazzling.

In conclusion, what defines a language is not merely mutual intelligibility, but a complex interplay of historical, political, and social factors. Recognizing the validity and richness of all language varieties allows us to appreciate the true beauty of human communication.