1. Sociolect: This refers to a variety of language that is characteristic of a particular social group or class. It's similar to a dialect, but focuses more on social factors rather than geographic location. Sociolects can be defined by features like vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and even non-verbal communication.
2. Social Dialect: This term is often used interchangeably with "sociolect," but sometimes it can be used to specifically refer to differences in language that are related to social class.
3. Class-based language variation: This refers to the ways in which language varies depending on social class. This can include differences in:
* Vocabulary: Upper classes may use more formal or specialized vocabulary, while working classes might use more colloquial or slang terms.
* Grammar: There can be subtle differences in grammar between classes, such as the use of certain verb tenses or the placement of prepositions.
* Pronunciation: Different social classes may have distinctive accents or pronunciation patterns.
* Discourse patterns: The way people speak and interact can also be influenced by their social class, including their conversational style, turn-taking, and use of humor.
4. Linguistic prestige: Some language features are associated with higher social status and are considered "prestigious," while others are seen as less prestigious or even stigmatized. This can lead to differences in language use between social classes, as people try to conform to the norms of their social group or aspire to a higher social status.
It's important to note:
* Social class is a complex and multifaceted concept, and there is no single "class dialect" that encompasses all members of a particular social class.
* Language variation is a natural phenomenon, and there is no inherently "better" or "worse" way of speaking.
* It's crucial to avoid making generalizations about entire social groups based on language alone.
If you could provide more context or a specific example of what you're interested in, I could give you a more targeted explanation.