What is the difference between the middle-class people and working-class people in their English Language?

Answer 1

According to sociologist such as William Thompson and Joseph Hickey professional class persons and most middle class persons overall tend to be more direct, articulate and vocal than their working class counterparts. (2005) Middle class persons commonly exhibit a better use of grammar and lack regional accents (with the exception of those whose native language is not English). Often, unless otherwise inendet, middle class speech tends to incorporate more abstract concepts and relies less on personal commentary than that of working class persons. (Jensen in Zweig, 2004) A 1989 study by sociologist Erica Hoff-Ginsberg found that upper-middle class mothers had more and longer conversations with their children than did working class mothers. (1989)

Many speech characteristics like other cultural attributes among persons across different social classes can often be traced to their occupational tasks. (Gilbert, 2002) Middle class persons, especially those in the professional (aka. upper) middle class tend to conceptualize, instruct, consult and supervise. (Ehrenreich, 1989) They, therefore, need to be able to present ideas in a clear, concise, contructive and engaging manner. Futhermore, they need to exhibit a sense of crebility and authority on the subject. (Thompson & Hickey, 2005) Working class persons, on the other hand, are commonly employed in highly routinized positions and tend to be closely supervised. As a result, being direct and concise may not be as much of the essence.

References:

1. Thompson, W. & Hickey, J. (2005). Society in Focus. Boston MA: Pearson, Allyn & Bacon.
2. Jensen, B. in Zweig, M. (2004). What's Class Got To Do With It?. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press.
3. Ehrenreich, B. (1989). Fear of Falling: The Inner Life of the Middle Class. New York, NY: Harper-Collins.
4. Hoff-Ginsberg, E. (1989). Effects of Social Class and Interactive Setting on Maternal Speech. 14 June, 2007 taken from http://Eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal/Home.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=RecordDetails&ERICExtSearch_SearchValue_0=ED309843&ERICExtSearch_SearchType_0=eric_accno&objectId=0900000b800472a5