Language and Social Class

Introduction

• Exploration of how language varies based on social class.
• Focus on the concept of the sociolect: a dialect associated with a specific social class.

Understanding Social Class

• Definition: A layer of society characterized by wealth, prestige, and power.
• Social class affects standard of living and life prospects.
• Measurement:
  • Objective: Economic factors like income.
  • Subjective: Prestige, status, power, and perception.

Determining Social Class

• Not strictly based on income or profession.
• Influenced by factors like family name and subjective measures.
• Varies by society; each one determines class differently.

Judging Social Class

• First impressions can indicate social class based on:
  • Clothing and accessories.
  • Behavior and posture.
  • Language use and pronunciation.
  • Material possessions (car, house location).
• People can manipulate first impressions deliberately.

Social Class and Language Use

• Close connection between social class and language choice.
• Sociolect: Language variation used to signify belonging to a social class.
• In multilingual societies, language choice can indicate social class.
  • Example: French as the aristocratic language in Europe; English proficiency in India linked to higher social classes.

Societal Stratification

• Hierarchical societies: Distinct sociolects with prestige differences.
• Flatter societies: Less distinction and fewer sociolects.

Status and Sociolect

• Ascribed status: Based on family or inherent qualities.
• Achieved status: Based on personal achievements.
• Ascribed status cultures show more distinct sociolects.

Case Studies

• UK: Hierarchical with distinct sociolects; RP (Received Pronunciation) is prestigious.
• India: Highly stratified; English fluency and language choice tied to social class.
• Canada: Flatter society with less distinct sociolects.

Language Variation and Geography

• Sociolect vs. regional variation in language use.
• UK: Upper classes use sociolect regardless of region; lower classes show regional variation.
• India: Social class is the key factor; little regional variation.

Research on Language and Social Class

• Labov (1960s): Studied language use in department stores.
• Trundle (1960s-1970s): Identified social classes through linguistic features.
• Language use is strategic; individuals can choose sociolects.

Individual Choices

• Current research focuses on how individuals choose sociolects based on perception.
• Match Guise Testing: Shows perception differences based on speaking style.

Language Concepts

Style

• Formal to informal scale.
• Formal styles align with higher class sociolects.

Register

• Static Register: Unchanging language use (e.g., legal texts).
• Formal Register: One-way communication (e.g., speeches).
• Consultative Register: Knowledge exchange (e.g., doctor-patient).
• Casual Register: Among friends.
• Intimate Register: Close, personal communication.

Politeness

• Language choices to make others feel comfortable.
  • Positive politeness: Shows mutual respect.
  • Negative politeness: Acknowledges imposition.
• Face-Threatening Acts (FTA): Actions causing discomfort.
• Strategies include hedging, pessimism, deference, apologizing, and impersonalization.

Brown and Levinson's Politeness Strategies

• Bald on Record: Direct, no politeness.
• Positive Politeness: Equal, friendly communication.
• Negative Politeness: Acknowledging imposition.
• Off Record: Indirect strategies (e.g., hinting, sarcasm).

Implications for Language Teaching

• Make students aware of sociolects and language variations.
• Introduce concepts like style, register, and politeness at advanced proficiency levels.
• Encourage strategic learning of sociolects.