Data on the frequency of use of "ritualized speech" and "socio-centric" and "egocentric" phrases, in middle and working class adolescents, are presented. Contrary to hypothesis, no overall social class differences are discovered. However the two classes of subject differ markedly in their choice of particular phrases; also both groups differ significantly from student speakers. It is suggested that differences in speech patterns, such as the use of ritualized speech, may be determined by more specific, "local" factors than social class.
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