Should this be a Standard English only forum?

When we communicate with each other here, should our posts be wholly in standard English -regardless of the level of ability in using that variant -or is it OK to use our regional variant at times, if we possess one?

I don't mean when we are citing our regionalism, but when we are directly chatting among ourselves.

[Flash]

I'm afraid I don't quite understand what you mean. Do you mean that you want to allow learners to speak their own languages at times? If so, I don't think it's a good idea.

Originally Posted by Flash

I'm afraid I don't quite understand what you mean. Do you mean that you want to allow learners to speak their own languages at times? If so, I don't think it's a good idea.

No, not their own languages, but the regional variations of the English language.

[Flash]

Is there a regional variation of English in Spain?

Originally Posted by Flash

Is there a regional variation of English in Spain?

There might be actually...go to Benalmadena and look. Seriously though, there are quite a lot of NNES who learned English in other contexts than those of academies or other formal institutions. Many learned by being married to an native speaker, working in an English speaking country, films, books , etc. So, if you wanted to suggest that no NNES have regional use, you'd be wrong.

[Flash]

I disagree with you. When I was in Canada my host family were Italians but I didn't hear them speak English containing any Italian variations.

Originally Posted by Flash

I disagree with you. When I was in Canada my host family were Italians but I didn't hear them speak English containing any Italian variations.

Let's just stop here and search for clarity.

Do you know what the word "regionalism" means?

Do you think that your experience with one Italian-American family is a model for all?

Where were you in Canada?

[Flash]

I do know what this word means. There's no need to explain what it means.

Do you think that your experience with one Italian-American family is a model for all?

Yes, I do. Simply because I've got nothing more to compare with.

I was in Toronto.

Originally Posted by Flash

I do know what this word means. There's no need to explain what it means.


Yes, I do. Simply because I've got nothing more to compare with.

I was in Toronto.

Fine, you should have said so. If you disagree with a person's more universal statement by comparing you own personal experience with one family, you will not have a strong argument.

And Toronto is filled with all kinds of people who have come to the big city and brought their regionalisms with them. NNES socialise, go out, shop, take taxis, etc. In all those actions, there will probably be people who speak regionally in some way. Students pick language up in all kinds of ways.

[Flash]

Yes, I know. If they speak with an accent or use English which may seem strange to natives it's just because their English is not perfect. My family have been living in Canada for over 30 years, so their English is perfect. It must be! Where have you been? You seem to have visited a lot of countries to be able to claim that you cannot argue well enough unless you have experienced much.