Which scholarly work is prominent in understanding the legitimacy of marginalized dialects?

The prominence of studies by William Labov in understanding the legitimacy of marginalized dialects is well-established in sociolinguistics. Labov's research notably highlights how different dialects, particularly those spoken by marginalized communities, exhibit complex linguistic structures and rules similar to those of standardized languages. He argues against the stigma often associated with non-standard dialects, showcasing their validity and richness.

Labov's work includes extensive field studies that reveal how language variation correlates with social factors, thereby demonstrating that all dialects are legitimate forms of communication. He uses empirical data to challenge preconceived notions of linguistic hierarchy, asserting that no dialect is inferior to another. This has had a significant impact on the field, influencing educators, linguists, and the public perception of language diversity and equity.