This document discusses how social class influences language patterns and speech variables. Higher social classes tend to use more standard and formal grammar forms, while lower social classes may use variants like H-dropping, replacing "ing" with "in", different pronunciations of "r", and L-deletion. Social class can create sharp stratification in language, with the middle and lower classes distinguished by their use of grammar forms like singular vs. plural verbs. Negative concord, using multiple negative forms, is also characteristic of some vernacular dialects associated with lower social classes.

2. Social
prestige
Social Class
Wealth
Education

3. Social
dialect
Social
Class
Language
patterns

4. Speech Variables
H-dropping
145
ing  in
Variants of letter “r”
L-deletion
e.g. 12, pg.
pg. 146, 147
pg. 147
pg. 150

5. Higher social groups use more standard grammar
forms.
Sharp
stratification
Multiple
negation
• Distinction between middle-class and lower-class
group
• She walks VS She walk
• Negative concord
• Vernacular dialect; has two or more negative forms
• E.g: He ain’t no stupid guy.