I would like to elaborate on the effects that language has on social classes, in response to Andrei's post. When referring to different social classes, I think it is important that one must also examine the language style of individuals in order to better understand the social structure of society (Slang is also included under language style). I do agree that education does take part in our conscious effort to communicate; especially when placed in different settings or situations. However, I also do believe that everyone has the ability to recognize and apply language into in an appropriate manner when placed in these interactional situations. Maybe we are not fully conscious/aware of it, but I truly believe that we use different language forms to identify and categorize ourselves - as well as others - within society. This also supports Gramsci's theory of hegemony. Gramsci believes that, through the consent of the people, we contribute to the construction of social inequality. Therefore, through one's communicative competence, one understands (to some extent) the meaning of certain language styles and how they are applied to society. In addition, I think that to some degree we are also being cognitively deceived by others' perceptions of the world and by our own contribution - whether unconscious or not - to the social structure of society.
As a final note, I would have to agree with Professor Kalmar - "making the ordinary strange" does indeed create some confusion!
-Alicia
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