2 ms·

I always interpreted it as meaning that there is no objective distinction between dialects and languages but that nations (which have armies and navies) declare

I always interpreted it as meaning that there is no objective distinction between dialects and languages but that nations (which have armies and navies) declare their prestige dialect to be a "language" and claim related dialects to be subservient to it.

cema 10y ago
Yes, normative dialects are selected to be the language. Often based on the dialect of the capital city.