Final answer:
A dialect may become a standard language as a result of its association with the most prestigious and powerful members of the community. Linguists suggest that there are three main dialects of the English language in the United States: a Southern dialect, a Midland dialect, and a Northern dialect. Over time, a dialect can accumulate unique linguistic features that it develops into a separate language.
Step-by-step explanation:
A dialect may become a standard language as a result of its association with the most prestigious and powerful members of the community. Linguists suggest that there are three main dialects of the English language in the United States: a Southern dialect, a Midland dialect, and a Northern dialect. Over time, a dialect can accumulate unique linguistic features that it develops into a separate language. The distinction between a well-developed dialect and a language is largely political.