social stratification in language

Social stratification in language refers to how people's language use reflects and reinforces social hierarchies and group identities. People from different social backgrounds or groups often develop distinct speech patterns, vocabulary, or accents that signal their status, education, or community belonging. These linguistic differences can lead to assumptions about a person's class or social position, and sometimes influence opportunities and interactions. Essentially, language functions as a marker of social distinctions, shaping how individuals are perceived and how they relate to others within society.