Bernstein's Sociolinguistics: An Empirical Test in Iceland

• Published in: Social Forces
• Main Author: Thorlindsson, Thorolfur
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford University Press 1987
• Subjects: Articles; Iceland
• Online Access: http://sf.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/65/3/695; https://doi.org/10.1093/sf/65.3.695

In this study an attempt is made to test Basil Bernstein's sociolinguistic model empirically. The relationships among all the major variables of the model including social class, family interaction, linguistic elaboration, IQ, and school performance are examined. Data from 338 randomly selected 15-year-olds in Reykjavik, Iceland, are analyzed to show that the model receives mixed support. The correlations among social class, family interaction, IQ, and school performance are along the lines hypothesized by Bernstein, whereas linguistic elaboration does not play its predicted role. The empirical results indicate that important revisions of the model are needed. It is suggested that a clear distinction should be made between cognitive and pragmatic aspects of the sociolinguistic codes, and between macro and micro elements of social structure. It is also suggested that revisions of the code concept might build on the works of Bourdieu, Collins, and Foucault. Finally, it is pointed out that further reformulation and extension of Bernstein's work may benefit from paying closer attention to its Durkheimian nature.