“All Englishes are equal”

I had the pleasure, some months ago, of meeting some of the English Project’s Trustees at an event in the run-up to English Language Day.  We got talking about the Project’s scope and aims – admirable but ambitious – and the fact that it observes and records, rather than taking sides in, the various debates about the language.

So far so good.  But I confess that I cocked an eyebrow when one of the Trustees told me:  “Our position is that all Englishes are equal.”

All Englishes are equal.  Discuss.

The Project has, I entirely accept, good reasons not to take sides.  But one of its roles is to provide a platform where these discussions can take place.  So, having dwelt upon this rather astonishing statement for some six months or so, I am ready to discuss.