On the Basil Bernstein’s theory of linguistic codes

the question of the oral modality of language

Abstract

This paper presents research results that bring into play Basil Bernstein´s constructs of restricted and elaborated codes. As postulated by this language sociologist, this theory is concerned with characterizing the differences between the language-use of the working-class child and the one of the middle-class child as well as accounting for the implications in mastering these codes for students´ schooling failure and success. Dealing with a recent theme, this research focused on discussing the discrepancy between the language spoken by students belonging to working classes and the language spoken at school, which is, even today, the source of a large part of the problems generated in the teaching and learning process of Portuguese language. The aim of this work was to reinterpret the theory of the linguistic codes in the light of the recent codes deriving from Linguistics. Therefore, after a brief rebuilding of the theoretical context in which Bernstein developed the theory of the linguistic codes  and an explanation of such theory, that reinterpretation was possible by means of reflections upon the oral and writing modalities of language and upon the texts produced based on these modalities.