The difference in formality between dialects and standard languages mainly depends on the usage scenario and cultural background, not the value of the language itself. The following is the analysis of the key points： ### 1. **Formality is determined by context** -**Differences in occasion**: Standard languages (such as Mandarin and standard English) are usually used in formal occasions such as official documents and educational media, and are easier to be widely understood because of their normative nature. But this does not mean that dialects are "not formal"-in local meetings, community events, or specific cultural ceremonies, dialects may be a more appropriate or even authoritative choice. -**Legal cases**: For example, Cantonese court debates in Hong Kong and dialect government communication in Switzerland have proved that dialects are irreplaceable in specific formal scenarios. ### 2. **Cultural authority** -**Emotional connection**: Dialects often carry unique local culture and identity. For example, when Quanzhou Nanyin sings in Hokkien, its cultural formality far exceeds that of the Mandarin version; the Wu pronunciation of Suzhou Jianchuan is also the core of its artistic value. -**Administrative case**: The Scottish Parliament allows the use of Scottish Gaelic, and New Zealand's official documents contain Maori. These policies reflect the recognition of each other's linguistic and cultural authority. ### 3. **Dynamic evolution trend** -**Media influence**: Platforms such as Douyin have enabled dialects such as Sichuan dialect to enter the public eye in large numbers, and the "trendy sense" of Chinese language in young groups may dissolve traditional formal boundaries. The weather forecast broadcast in Shanghainese is a combination of formality and local characteristics. -**Academic perspective**: Research by sociolinguist William Lapov shows that language status depends on social evaluation, not internal characteristics. The New York dialect was once regarded as "non-standard", but has gained new recognition with socio-economic changes. ### 4. **Practical advice** -**Formal occasions**: Priority is given to the use of standard languages in cross-border meetings or legal documents to ensure understanding. -**Local scene**: The use of dialects in community activities may be more efficient and cordial. -**Cultural expression**: Chinese language in artistic creation and traditional rituals is often irreplaceable. In essence, the formality of language is a social convention. As the value of diversity is valued, dialects are gaining formal status in more fields. The key is to make appropriate choices based on the context, not preset levels.