Can You Think of Examples in Your Community Where Language Reflects Social Class?

 

Can You Think of Examples in Your Community Where Language Reflects Social Class?

a. Vocabulary and Pronunciation Differences

Elite classes in Pakistan use more formal Urdu and English phrases (e.g., "I’d like to request an audience") compared to working-class, colloquial expressions (e.g., "Mujhe baat karni hai").

Regional accents often indicate lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

b. Access to Education and Language Proficiency

People educated in elite institutions often exhibit fluency in English, distinguishing them from individuals from public or madrassa schools.

E.g., "Thank you so much" vs. "Bohat shukriya"—choice of language reflects education level.

c. Code-Switching as a Status Marker

Middle and upper-class individuals often incorporate English into conversations to signify sophistication.

d. Differences in Media Consumption

Social class influences exposure to particular media; elite groups might follow English news channels, while working-class individuals prefer Urdu or regional media.