Linguistic Behaviors

Hypercorrect linguistic behavior is "the tendency of the middle class to correct their speech excessively; hypercorrection can produce either a proportion of prestige forms that is higher than that used by the more prestigious class, or hypercorrection can produce a form which is considered stylistically unacceptable" (Western Washington University, 2003, p. 1). Hypercorrect forms of language can be distinguished on the basis of linguistic and communication variables such as phonology, lexicon, syntax and morphology, as well as analyzing the criteria to evaluate speech as incorrect and excessive.

Several examples can be given of this particular phenomena. A correct or standard form is the word "toilet." In its hypercorrect form, it is pronounced as though it was spelled "terlet" in the belief that since "bird" and not "boid" is correct, "terlet" rather than "toilet" is correct (Western Washington University, 2003).

A second example of hypercorrect speech is "between her and me," the standard form, often modified to "between she and I." This modification proceeds from the belief that if one should not say "her and me are good friends," one should always avoid any use of the phrase "her and me" (Western Washington University, 2003).

There is little doubt that there is a remarkable persistence of regional and working class speech that is used to demonstrate regional or social group solidarity and also express antipathy toward outsiders (Lawrence, 19

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Category: Psychology - L