Linguistic Codes, Hesitation Phenomena and Intelligence

Abstract

Two linguistic codes have been proposed, elaborated and restricted. These codes are regarded as functions of different social structures. The codes are considered to entail qualitatively different verbal planning orientations which control different modes of self-regulation and levels of cognitive behaviour. Social class differences in the use of the codes were postulated and the hesitation phenomena associated with them predicted. Speech samples were obtained and the hesitation phenomena analysed from a discussion situation involving small groups of middle-class and working-class subjects with varying I.Q. profiles.