Arguments for Standard English:
* Clarity and Accessibility: Standard English ensures a wider audience can understand the text. Non-standard dialects or slang can create barriers to comprehension.
* Credibility and Professionalism: Using Standard English lends an air of authority and professionalism, particularly in academic or professional settings.
* Consistency and Cohesion: Standard English promotes consistency in grammar and style, making the writing easier to follow and understand.
Arguments against strict adherence to Standard English:
* Authenticity and Voice: In some contexts, using a non-standard dialect might be crucial to representing the voice of the subject matter or the author's identity. For example, an expository essay on the evolution of African American Vernacular English might intentionally use examples of AAVE.
* Reaching a Specific Audience: If the intended audience is familiar with a specific dialect, using that dialect might improve communication and engagement.
* Creative Nonfiction: In creative nonfiction, stylistic choices can take precedence over strict adherence to Standard English to enhance the narrative.
In conclusion, while Standard English is generally preferred for its clarity and accessibility in expository writing, there are exceptions depending on the context, purpose, and audience. The key is to make a conscious decision about the language style that best serves the writing's goal. Using non-standard English should be deliberate, not accidental, and justified by the context.