Change from above

Change from above is linguistic change that enters the language from above the level of consciousness; that is, speakers are generally aware of the linguistic change and implement its use in order to sound more dominant. It stands in contrast to change from below.

In change from above, the change usually enters formal speech, not the vernacular. This change usually begins with speakers in higher social classes and diffuses down into the lower classes. The upper classes use these new linguistic forms in order to differentiate themselves from the lower classes, while lower classes use these forms in order to sound more formal and similar to the upper class. Change from above is seen in Labov's New York Department Store study exhibiting the social stratification of New York City, where the upper classes reintroduced the word-final pronunciation of /r/ as a prestige form.

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