Which term describes the social value of using a nonstandard dialect, sometimes called covert prestige?

Which term describes the social value of using a nonstandard dialect, sometimes called covert prestige?

• A. Covert prestige
• B. Overt prestige
• C. Social capital
• D. Linguistic capital

Answer: (A)

Covert prestige is the social value attached to speaking a nonstandard dialect within a particular community. People may prize that way of speaking because it signals belonging, authenticity, and shared identity with peers, even if the wider society devalues the nonstandard form. This differs from overt prestige, which is the high status given to standard language in formal settings like schools and media. While social capital relates to networks and relationships, and linguistic capital to valued language skills, covert prestige specifically describes the insider value of nonstandard speech within a group. Understanding this helps explain why speakers often maintain their dialects as a badge of community and identity.

Covert prestige is the social value attached to speaking a nonstandard dialect within a particular community. People may prize that way of speaking because it signals belonging, authenticity, and shared identity with peers, even if the wider society devalues the nonstandard form. This differs from overt prestige, which is the high status given to standard language in formal settings like schools and media. While social capital relates to networks and relationships, and linguistic capital to valued language skills, covert prestige specifically describes the insider value of nonstandard speech within a group. Understanding this helps explain why speakers often maintain their dialects as a badge of community and identity.