A Sociolinguistic Analysis of The Concept Of Social Class In Literary Works The Case Of Lynn Nottage’s “Sweat”

Abstract

This research uses a strong sociolinguistic lens to examine social class representation in Lynn Nottage’s renowned play, Sweat. The main purpose of this study is to investigate how linguistic choices mirror social class differences and socioeconomic struggles among the characters. This study involves analyzing the play; Act One includes seven scenes, while Act Two comprises eight scenes. Drawing on discourse analysis, linguistic and sociolinguistic approaches, it investigates the sociolects of working-class characters in Sweat, portraying the existing socio-economic realities of a declining industrial town. This research identifies distinctive traits of working-class language, including the repeated use of vulgarisms, contractions, non-standard question forms, and double negations, among others. By revealing these characteristics, this thesis emphasizes how literature portrays and assesses real-world social stratification, offering invaluable insight into the sociolinguistic dynamics of social class struggle. The outcomes emphasize obvious differences in linguistic behavior of characters from distinct social backgrounds, portraying that Nottage’s description of working-class language creates a detailed and dynamic image of contemporary class struggles in America.