How do standard languages become prestigious while other dialects are stigmatized?

Standard languages and stigmatized dialects are not distinguished by inherent linguistic quality, as all language varieties are equal in form and function. Instead, the prestige of a standard language is a social construct driven by power dynamics and language ideologies.1

The Formation of Standard Languages

Standard languages typically emerge when a specific dialect is adopted for administrative, literary, and economic purposes across a broad region. This process is often influenced by:2
* Social Power: The speech of the wealthiest, most powerful, and highly educated members of society is frequently elevated as a model for others.2
* Institutional Support: Dictionaries, grammars, and educational policies help stabilize these norms, while powerful gatekeepers enforce them to define "correct" usage.12
* Geographic Hubs: The base dialect often originates from a capital city or a major cultural and economic center, such as Paris or London.2

Stigmatization of Dialects

Dialects that deviate from these established norms are often labeled as "nonstandard" or "substandard". This stigmatization is a form of boundary setting that can perpetuate social and educational inequalities. Negative attitudes toward these varieties—such as bias against Black and African American languages—are rooted in systemic discrimination rather than linguistic reality. It is essential to recognize that such judgments are value-based beliefs used to exert social control, and they do not reflect the complexity or validity of the dialects themselves.1