Language Variation and Social Class: A Sociolinguistic Analysis of Contemporary Indian English

Abstract

This paper takes a look at how social class impacts language variation within contemporary Indian English, seeking to address the question of how socio-economic factors influence linguistic features and the way language is used across India's diverse social classes. The study employs qualitative methods, like interviews and sociolinguistic surveys, to get a sense of the linguistic practices and how language is perceived by speakers from various socio-economic backgrounds. It finds that language variation is, in most cases, significantly marked by social class, with different patterns showing up in vocabulary, pronunciation, and code-switching, which reflects underlying socio-economic divisions. Moreover, these linguistic differences have significant implications for healthcare communication, potentially creating barriers to access and understanding among different socio-economic groups. Thus, the research highlights how important it is for healthcare professionals to be aware of linguistic and cultural diversity to improve how they interact with patients and improve health literacy. By illustrating the interplay between language and social structure, this study contributes to the broader conversation on sociolinguistics and health equity, suggesting that a nuanced understanding of language variation is essential for effective communication in healthcare settings. It also advocates for the integration of sociolinguistic insights into healthcare policy and practice, pushing for inclusive communication strategies that cater to the rich linguistic tapestry of contemporary India.