Language and Audience

Overt Prestige

Status gained from using what most people see as a high status language, including correct pronunciation and standard grammar.

Covert Prestige

Status gained from specific social groups by using non-standard forms, viewed as respectable within those groups.

Accommodation Theory

Giles' theory suggesting individuals adapt their language based on their social context to reduce or increase social differences.

Convergence

The process of accommodating language to become more similar to the other speaker.

Divergence

The process of accommodating language to become less similar to the other speaker.

Restricted Code

A code based on shared knowledge within a group, conveying meaning in few words that are understood among members.

Elaborated Code

A code used to explain information in detail for those with differing levels of knowledge or experience.

Bernstein’s Theory

The theory that access to different codes, restricted and elaborated, is influenced by social class and mobility.

Social Class and Language Access

Working class students typically access restricted codes, while middle class students access both types due to greater mobility.

Features of Restricted Code

Short sentences, slang, inside jokes, and reliance on shared meanings.

Features of Elaborated Code

Long descriptive sentences, precise vocabulary, and clear language that avoids misunderstanding.