15591. STANDARD ENGLISH VERSUS LOCAL DIALECTS IN GREAT BRITAIN. The debate over whether public discourses should be conducted only in the "Queen's English" shows the relationship that exists between power and language. Using a Marxist and pluralist viewpoint, it is argued that the growing diversity of British society requires more acceptance of local dialects. The African-Caribbean dialect is used to illustrate how dialects are expressive and provide a sense of identity and pride, despite their advantages in the "public" society. 11 pages, 31 footnotes, 10 bibliographic sources.