Nonetheless, the essential focus should always be on language appropriate for the topic, audience and situation. Non-standard dialect is recognised and respected as being wholly appropriate in specific contexts. The language of the home and community is an important element of cultural heritage and is vital in communicative competence. It is a linguistic sphere that should be valued.

Labelling native speech patterns of non-standard language as 'wrong' can induce a sense of inferiority and insecurity in the learner. A regional dialect is never 'bad English', but it can be inappropriate in particular contexts. However, if a speaker changes their speech to another dialect (for example, Standard English), this can threaten their local identity. The teacher who understands the phonological structure of non-standard speech is well placed to appreciate potential difficulties with formal oral, reading and writing tasks.

The 'Pride of Frankenstein' sketch lampoons affected 'posh talk', with Dr Frankenstein being urged to 'cut the swank'. 'The Interview' addresses a situation in which it is appropriate to 'speak properly'. The serialised drama 'Bog Off' follows the conflict created when urban and rural dialects collide, as follows:

Drew: Talk proper so I can understand you.
Gary: Why should we?
Darren: This is our place. We can talk any way we like.
Drew: But I don't know what you're saying.
Jase: Tough!

The drama highlights the powerful psychological and social pressures that attend language usage. The characters come to understand that the resolution of the conflicts lies in appreciating the audience and circumstance.

Drew: You can't judge people by the way they talk.
J: Yeah, but it's more than that. It's… like…
Drew: Like when you're with your own crowd you have your own lingo, and then when you're with a different crowd you can change your lingo.
Jo: Yeah, you just have to know the rules.

Sensitivity to language variety may be developed by looking at the similarities and differences between texts written in Standard English and those written in different dialects, or by listening to the sounds of a variety of speakers. Studying the historical development of regional dialect and language diversity can help pupils develop positive attitudes towards their own indigenous speech. Translating ideas from one dialect to another can highlight differences in meanings and intentions. Deciding on the speech appropriate to various spontaneous situations is usefully important for recognising situational communication requirements.