Many questions accompany the recognition of different dialects, including questions concerning the origin of the speaker, the reasons why people speak the way they do, and which way of speaking is correct. Stronq feelings may accompany the recognition of dialects, and assessments and classifications of people may be made based on how they speak. This booklet provides information that addresses many of the recurring questions underlying the recognition of dialects, ranging from questions asked out of curiosity to those asked as a basis for making an essential educational decision about a child's future. Some of the specific issues addressed are the following: (1) the origin of language differences and the main differences between dialects of English; (2) language standards and especially "standard English" in relation to certain groups of children who have been termed "disadvantaged"; (3) the consequences of dialects in education and problems related to dealing with them; and (4) dialect differences and the broader community, includinq the question of eliminating differences among patterns of speech. A list of references is included. (Author/AMH)