Basil Bernstein - Restricted and elaborated codes

Basil Bernstein was a British sociologist known for his work in the sociology of education.
His theory was that the working class speak a 'restricted code' in comparison to middle class who speak in the 'elaborated code'
In the case of an elaborated code, the speaker will select from a relatively extensive range of alternatives … In the case of a restricted code the number of these alternatives is often severely limited … On a psychological level the codes may be distinguished by the extent to which each facilitates (elaborated code) or inhibits (restricted code) an orientation to symbolize intent in a verbally explicit form.