This week, our Year 13 students have been exploring how language influences the way we think, our relationships with others, and the structure of society.
We looked at language and social stratification through the ideas of Bernstein, who described restricted and elaborated codes, and Labov, who showed that every dialect—no matter the social group—is rule-governed and meaningful. Students also discussed linguistic determinism and linguistic relativity, considering whether language influences our thoughts or merely shapes how we perceive the world around us.
We examined how jargon and slang function within communities—how they can build a sense of belonging, create group identity, and sometimes exclude those who are “outside” the group. Throughout the week, students worked with real examples, debated the role of language in shaping identity, and reflected on how power and culture influence the way people speak.
A fantastic week of critical thinking, discussion, and growing awareness of the power of language in everyday life.
