language change - 19th century - middle classes

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The Middle Classes of the 19 th Century By Gwen and Becca

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Page 1: Language Change - 19th century - Middle classes

The Middle Classes of the

19th Century

By Gwen and Becca

Page 2: Language Change - 19th century - Middle classes
Page 3: Language Change - 19th century - Middle classes

This text was aimed at middle-class women, mostly those who were young and newly married so they were elevated to their husband’s status in the middle-class so they needed a guide on how to instruct their servants if they were not accustomed to it.

Page 4: Language Change - 19th century - Middle classes

Uses loan words and phrases from French but does go on to explain them suggesting the maids were unlikely to know French as they didn’t have the sophisticated upbringing like the ladies this book is aimed at, so it explains the term in case the lady needs to explain it to the servant it gives her another way of saying it.

Page 5: Language Change - 19th century - Middle classes

This could suggest industrialisation especially as it later goes on to say that the cost is ‘trifling’ meaning it would’ve cost hardly anything.

Page 6: Language Change - 19th century - Middle classes

This shows the strong focus put on a lady’s dress and appearance which would in turn reflect how they were seen in society and it was a mark of respectability and class to be well-dressed.

Page 7: Language Change - 19th century - Middle classes

Rich, expensive materials. Silk, barège, muslin, linen, mohair and velvet

Page 8: Language Change - 19th century - Middle classes

Old fashioned measurements e.g. ‘a quart of water’ ‘1 pennyworth’, ‘1/2 pint’

Page 9: Language Change - 19th century - Middle classes

The first sentence is 95 words long, with the subsequent ones being shorter as an authoritative tone is established. Imperatives are not used as much as this would’ve been considered impolite so commands are given through the use of modal auxiliary verbs.

Page 10: Language Change - 19th century - Middle classes

• Maids would have been expected to know these duties before working as a simple list is not given but assumed knowledge and a variety of situations is presented in complex ways.

• The main focus of the text is information and advice how ladies were expected to look and act in society suggesting this is the most important feature they were judged on.

• 'A Good Wash for the Hair' washing was more of a luxury of the middle classes and instructions were needed for a proper wash as the maids may only have been able to wash with cold water.

Page 11: Language Change - 19th century - Middle classes

The average wage for a middle-class person would’ve ranged from £100-£700 a year. Here we are assuming the man was a bank clerk and would’ve earned around £250-£300 a year, which in today’s money is around £20,000 a year. A maid would’ve earned about £15 a year which in today’s money is £1,185. This seems like a small amount but obviously, things were cheaper back in the 19th century relative to today. Where shoe blacking is mentioned it is said to be purchased for either 6d. or 1s. bottles. 6d is 6 old pence which equates to £1.98 now and 1s would be £3.95.

Page 12: Language Change - 19th century - Middle classes

Commas are used frequently as much of the information is lists or instructions. Italics are used to add emphasis 'but not the bristles.'

Page 13: Language Change - 19th century - Middle classes

'She should, indeed, be a tolerably expert milliner and dressmaker, a good hairdresser, and possess some chemical knowledge of the cosmetics with which the toilet-table is supplied, in order to use them with safety and effect.' Elevated lexis, and shows the many duties that were expected of the maids to make the ladies respectable. “Toilet” in this context is a word rarely used now but means to wash and dress, basically to get ready.