The Intersection of Social Class and Language Use

The way we use language can be influenced by our social class. Various linguistic factors, such as accent, dialect, and the use of standard versus non-standard language, are often associated with class distinctions. We often assume that individuals from higher classes speak with a Received Pronunciation (RP) accent and use standard English, while those from lower classes use regional accents and dialects.

RP, also known as Received Pronunciation, is considered the most prestigious form of standard English and is often associated with Queen Elizabeth's speech or old wartime radio broadcasts.

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