English is a world language. Perhaps as many as 400 million people speak it as their first language; over a billion speak it as a second language.
The ability to speak and write a standard, easily-understood form of English is a valuable tool for all Americans.
“English” is not one language!
Knowing more than one dialect is useful
Different forms of “standard” English
Being able to use a standard form of English when the occasion calls for it is a useful employment skill.
Clear, understandable speech is a social asset:
