What creteria draw the boundary between language and dialect?
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Feb 20
The boundary between language and dialect is not always clear-cut and can be subjective. Some criteria that are often used to distinguish between the two include:
1. Mutual intelligibility: If speakers of two varieties can understand each other, they are considered dialects of the same language. If they cannot understand each other, they may be considered separate languages.
2. Standardization: Languages often have standardized forms that are used in official contexts, education, and media. Dialects may lack this level of standardization.
3. Political and cultural factors: The distinction between language and dialect can also be influenced by political and cultural factors. In some cases, varieties that are mutually intelligible may be considered separate languages due to historical or political reasons.
4. Linguistic differences: Languages and dialects may differ in terms of grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and other linguistic features. However, these differences are not always clear-cut and can vary between different varieties.
Ultimately, the distinction between language and dialect is often a matter of convention and may vary depending on the context and perspective of the speaker.