One of the small notes about research in one of Stephen Pinker's books concerns the correct use of English grammar by lower socio-economic/educational groups.
Essentially, the correct use of grammar (full sentences, correct syntax, etc.) is much more prevalent in lower-education groups.
Anecdotally - TRUE.
I find it fascinating that indivduals in this town who cannot spell, or string a logcal sequence of thoughts together, can speak in plain, simple, CORRECT ENGLISH. And do so regularly!
I suspect it has to do with the assumption of intelligence and analytic ability on the part of the speakers. When we deal with somweone intelligent, we can assume that the listener can "fill in the blanks" correctly. Hence the use of fragments, half-sentences, and incomplete thoughts. But with the simple, everything must be fleshed out, else there may be considerable misunderstandings.
Fascinating. (With apologies to Mr. Spock.)
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