Abstract
In an attempt to overcome certain inadequacies of paternalist and idealist approaches to linguistic variability, this essay argues for the necessity of analyzing the context-based meanings of linguistic variants of socially disadvantaged speakers from the standpoint of their own needs—including the most basic need of overcoming devaluation in contexts which involve powerful others. An analysis of YOU KNOW/I THINK variation in some American industrial workers' speech is then forwarded, with an emphasis on meaning and context, as demonstration of the need to develop alternative ways of analyzing linguistic variability.
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