Legal Definitions - jus et norma loquendi

Jus et norma loquendi refers to the unwritten rules and customs that govern how language is used, spoken, and pronounced within a particular community or nation. It signifies that the accepted standards of language are established not by formal decree, but by the collective habits and practices of its speakers over time. Essentially, it's the idea that common usage dictates what is considered correct or standard language.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Pronunciation Differences: Consider the word "aluminum." In the United States, the customary pronunciation is "uh-LOO-muh-num," with four syllables. However, in the United Kingdom and many Commonwealth countries, it is commonly pronounced "al-yoo-MIN-ee-um," with five syllables.

  This difference illustrates jus et norma loquendi because neither pronunciation is inherently more correct; rather, the accepted and standard way of speaking the word has been established by the long-standing, collective usage within each respective nation.

• Idiomatic Expressions and Vocabulary: In American English, if someone says they are going to "grab a bite," it is universally understood to mean they are going to get something to eat. While the literal meaning of "grabbing a bite" might suggest a quick, possibly aggressive action, this phrase has become a standard, accepted idiom for having a meal or snack.

  The widespread and customary adoption of "grab a bite" to convey the act of eating, rather than a literal physical action, demonstrates jus et norma loquendi. The "law and rule of speech" in this context is dictated by the common understanding and usage within the American English-speaking community.