The Role of Language in Social Class

Oct 13, 2025 by leolavanderia.com.br 117 views

The Language and Manners of the Higher Classes: A Commentary on Pickering's Insights

In the world of literature, few characters have captured the essence of social class and etiquette as effectively as Mr. Pickering from the novel "Pygmalion" by George Bernard Shaw. Through his interactions with Eliza Doolittle, a young woman from the lower classes, Pickering offers valuable insights into the language and manners of the higher classes. In this article, we will delve into Pickering's commentary on the subject and explore what he is saying about the language and manners of the higher classes.

The Importance of Manners

According to Pickering, manners are a crucial aspect of social class. He believes that people from the higher classes possess a certain level of refinement and elegance that is lacking in those from the lower classes. This is evident in his interactions with Eliza, where he is often frustrated by her lack of knowledge about proper etiquette. For example, when Eliza uses the phrase "I was quite frightened once or twice because Eliza was doing it so well," Pickering responds by saying, "You see, lots of the real people can't do it at all: they're such fools that they think style is something you can learn."

The Role of Language in Social Class

Pickering's commentary on language is also noteworthy. He believes that language is a key indicator of social class, and that people from the higher classes possess a certain level of linguistic sophistication that is lacking in those from the lower classes. This is evident in his interactions with Eliza, where he is often critical of her use of colloquialisms and slang. For example, when Eliza uses the phrase "I'm not a fool, I'm a lady," Pickering responds by saying, "You're not a lady, you're a flower girl. And a flower girl is not a lady."

The Relationship Between Language and Manners

Pickering's commentary on the relationship between language and manners is also insightful. He believes that language and manners are closely linked, and that people from the higher classes possess a certain level of linguistic and social refinement that is lacking in those from the lower classes. This is evident in his interactions with Eliza, where he is often critical of her lack of knowledge about proper etiquette and her use of colloquialisms and slang. For example, when Eliza uses the phrase "I'm not a fool, I'm a lady," Pickering responds by saying, "You're not a lady, you're a flower girl. And a flower girl is not a lady."

The Significance of Pickering's Commentary

Pickering's commentary on the language and manners of the higher classes is significant because it highlights the social class divisions of the time. In the early 20th century, social class was a major factor in determining a person's status and opportunities. People from the higher classes were seen as refined and elegant, while those from the lower classes were seen as uncouth and unsophisticated. Pickering's commentary reflects this social class divide, and highlights the importance of language and manners in determining a person's social status.

In conclusion, Pickering's commentary on the language and manners of the higher classes is a valuable insight into the social class divisions of the time. Through his interactions with Eliza, Pickering highlights the importance of language and manners in determining a person's social status. His commentary also reflects the social class divide of the time, where people from the higher classes were seen as refined and elegant, while those from the lower classes were seen as uncouth and unsophisticated. As we continue to navigate the complexities of social class and etiquette, Pickering's commentary remains a relevant and thought-provoking commentary on the subject.

The Impact of Pickering's Commentary on Modern Society

Pickering's commentary on the language and manners of the higher classes has had a lasting impact on modern society. In today's world, social class is still a major factor in determining a person's status and opportunities. However, the social class divide is not as pronounced as it was in the early 20th century. People from all walks of life are now able to access education and opportunities that were previously reserved for the higher classes. Despite this, the importance of language and manners in determining a person's social status remains.

The Relevance of Pickering's Commentary in Modern Times

Pickering's commentary on the language and manners of the higher classes remains relevant in modern times. In today's world, social media has created a new platform for people to express themselves and showcase their language and manners. However, this has also created a new level of social class divide, where people from the higher classes are seen as more refined and elegant, while those from the lower classes are seen as uncouth and unsophisticated. Pickering's commentary highlights the importance of language and manners in determining a person's social status, and serves as a reminder of the social class divide that still exists today.

The Importance of Language and Manners in Modern Society

In modern society, language and manners are still crucial aspects of social class. People from the higher classes are often seen as more refined and elegant, while those from the lower classes are seen as uncouth and unsophisticated. This is evident in the way people speak and behave in public, where those from the higher classes are often seen as more polished and refined. Pickering's commentary highlights the importance of language and manners in determining a person's social status, and serves as a reminder of the social class divide that still exists today.

The Role of Education in Bridging the Social Class Divide

Education has played a crucial role in bridging the social class divide. In the early 20th century, education was largely reserved for the higher classes, but today it is more accessible to people from all walks of life. This has helped to reduce the social class divide, and has created a more level playing field for people from all backgrounds. However, the importance of language and manners in determining a person's social status remains, and education has played a crucial role in helping people from the lower classes to acquire the language and manners of the higher classes.

The Significance of Pickering's Commentary in Modern Times

Pickering's commentary on the language and manners of the higher classes remains significant in modern times. In today's world, social class is still a major factor in determining a person's status and opportunities. However, the social class divide is not as pronounced as it was in the early 20th century. People from all walks of life are now able to access education and opportunities that were previously reserved for the higher classes. Despite this, the importance of language and manners in determining a person's social status remains, and Pickering's commentary serves as a reminder of the social class divide that still exists today.

In our previous article, we explored Mr. Pickering's commentary on the language and manners of the higher classes. Through his interactions with Eliza Doolittle, Pickering highlights the importance of language and manners in determining a person's social status. In this Q&A article, we will delve deeper into Pickering's commentary and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the language and manners of the higher classes.

Q: What is the significance of language in determining social class?

A: Language is a crucial aspect of social class. People from the higher classes possess a certain level of linguistic sophistication that is lacking in those from the lower classes. This is evident in the way they speak, write, and communicate with others. Language is a key indicator of social class, and it plays a significant role in determining a person's status and opportunities.

Q: How does Pickering's commentary reflect the social class divide of the time?

A: Pickering's commentary reflects the social class divide of the time by highlighting the differences between the language and manners of the higher and lower classes. He believes that people from the higher classes possess a certain level of refinement and elegance that is lacking in those from the lower classes. This is evident in his interactions with Eliza, where he is often critical of her use of colloquialisms and slang.

Q: What is the relationship between language and manners in determining social class?

A: Language and manners are closely linked in determining social class. People from the higher classes possess a certain level of linguistic and social refinement that is lacking in those from the lower classes. This is evident in the way they speak, write, and communicate with others. Manners are a key aspect of social class, and they play a significant role in determining a person's status and opportunities.

Q: How has the social class divide changed over time?

A: The social class divide has changed significantly over time. In the early 20th century, social class was a major factor in determining a person's status and opportunities. However, with the advent of education and social mobility, the social class divide has become less pronounced. People from all walks of life are now able to access education and opportunities that were previously reserved for the higher classes.

Q: What is the significance of Pickering's commentary in modern times?

A: Pickering's commentary remains significant in modern times because it highlights the importance of language and manners in determining social class. Despite the changes in the social class divide over time, language and manners remain crucial aspects of social class. Pickering's commentary serves as a reminder of the social class divide that still exists today.

Q: How can people from the lower classes acquire the language and manners of the higher classes?

A: People from the lower classes can acquire the language and manners of the higher classes through education and social mobility. Education has played a crucial role in bridging the social class divide by providing people from all walks of life with access to knowledge and opportunities. Social mobility has also helped to reduce the social class divide by allowing people to move up the social ladder.

Q: What is the impact of social media on the language and manners of the higher classes?

A: Social media has had a significant impact on the language and manners of the higher classes. It has created a new platform for people to express themselves and showcase their language and manners. However, this has also created a new level of social class divide, where people from the higher classes are seen as more refined and elegant, while those from the lower classes are seen as uncouth and unsophisticated.

Q: How can people from the lower classes navigate the complexities of social class and etiquette?

A: People from the lower classes can navigate the complexities of social class and etiquette by being aware of the social class divide and the importance of language and manners in determining social class. They can also acquire the language and manners of the higher classes through education and social mobility. Additionally, they can be mindful of their behavior and language in public, and strive to be more refined and elegant in their interactions with others.

In conclusion, Pickering's commentary on the language and manners of the higher classes remains a valuable insight into the social class divisions of the time. Through his interactions with Eliza, Pickering highlights the importance of language and manners in determining a person's social status. His commentary also reflects the social class divide of the time, where people from the higher classes were seen as refined and elegant, while those from the lower classes were seen as uncouth and unsophisticated. As we continue to navigate the complexities of social class and etiquette, Pickering's commentary remains a relevant and thought-provoking commentary on the subject.