Elaborated and restricted codes are specific forms of language and speech in particular social contexts, including in different orders of meanings. Basil Bernstein claims that English social classes demonstrate a diverse knowledge of each mode of speech and its social and educational consequences (Neuliep). Even though the codes are often referred to as interchangeable, they differ based on an individual’s social status and help differentiate between strata.
Primarily, the developed code provides for other circumstances, is apparent in meaning, and uses complete forms of expression and its “objective” standards. There are no indents or fillers in this code; it contains only complete, well-stated thoughts that do not require prior knowledge on the listener’s behalf (Neuliep). For example, the monologue of Romeo in a famous Shakespeare poem refers to elaborated code. In the monologue, the context is clear, there are no shortened and vague expressions, and the character uses pure English.
In the meantime, the restricted code is used in close social circumstances, where it is legitimate to expect general assumptions and understanding, and provides for vague, concise, and index speech. This code is typically represented by short words and phrases interjected into any part of a sentence for confirmation of meaning (Neuliep). For instance, such phrases as “you know,” “right,” and “you know what I mean” relate to restricted code.
In summary, the code theory suggested by Basil Bernstein discloses the meaning of elaborated and restricted codes. While the former represents complete and thought-out statements, the latter’s primary focus is the confirmative interjections. Hence, the significant difference between the elaborated codes is that they view different longitudes of words and phrases. Both allow linguists and other researchers to view the diverse social groups and speech peculiarities.
Work Cited
Neuliep, James. Intercultural Communication: A Contextual Approach. SAGE Publications, 2020.