• Linguistics and Language -> Language and Culture

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Can language variation reveal social hierarchy and class?

Yaakov Nangle

Yes, language variation can reveal social hierarchy and class. This means that the way people speak can show how much money they have, how important they are, and what kind of job they have.

For example, people who speak with a fancy accent and use big words might be seen as more educated and higher up in society. They might also be seen as having more money and a better job than someone who speaks with a more common accent and uses simpler words.

Similarly, people who speak a different language than the majority of people in their area might also be seen as lower on the social hierarchy. This is because they might be immigrants or from a different culture, and therefore could be seen as not fitting in with the majority.

It's important to remember that just because someone speaks differently than you, it doesn't mean they are better or worse than you. Everyone deserves respect and should be treated equally, no matter how they speak or what language they speak.

In conclusion, language variation can reveal social hierarchy and class, but it's important to not judge people based on the way they speak.