How does language, norms, & values influence who we become & dictate personal success in American society?
Firstly you need to understand that ‘influence’ and ‘dictate’ are different things. In the large picture the common language spoken is the greatest common group factor, it is a way in which to define yourself as part of the American ‘group’. Norms and values, while constituting a vital element in a society may defer in smaller and smaller groupings even if those smaller and smaller groups may still call themselves (in this case) Americans. Conformity to norms within whatever group you reside in is basically the best way to be as nonthreatening as possible to other members of the group. However, the measurement of success is mostly a personnal evaluation of your perceived self-worth, nothing dictates it, it must be earned.
Language SAE (standard american english) is the language of business. Corporate memos are not written in Spanish or AAE (African American English) or SWVE (southern white vernacular english). Executive boards expect to be spoken to in “proper” english. Business models and plans are written by SAE speakers in SAE format. So, people who do not speak SAE fluently are disadvantaged in the business world. People who do not speak SAE in their homes, neighborhoods, and cities are less likely to be able to present their ideas in the accepted language of business.
