Unit 3 - Section B: Differential Achievement - Social Class - Outside: Language + Speech (Cultural)

Question 1

Bernstein

Answer 1

Importance of language in educational attainment. The ‘restricted code’ and ‘elaborated code’, argues MC are able to use both ‘codes’ (speech patterns), whereas WC only have access to ‘restricted code’. Due to students using ‘elaborated code’, generally outperform WC as can engage more with class and higher level discussions, and can be used to enhance answers in exams. Highly rewarded in education: ‘Excellent use of language and grammar’.

• Restricted code = informal situations, lacks in-depth descriptions. Highly predictable, dialogue usually unplanned. Additional info required to gain full meaning - associated with WC.
• Elaborated code = relatively formal, educated situations, allowing people to be creative in their expressions. Characterised by range of adjectives/pronouns leading to wider descriptions - associated with MC.