Hypercorrect linguistic behavior is ôthe tendency of the middle class to correct their speech excessively; hypercorrection can produce either a proportion of prestige forms that is higher than that used by the more prestigious class, or hypercorrection can produce a form which is considered stylistically unacceptable" (Western Washington University, 2003, p. 1). Hypercorrect forms of language can be distinguished on the basis of linguistic and communication variables such as phonology, lexicon, syntax and morphology, as well as analyzing the criteria to evaluate speech as incorrect and excessive.
Several examples can be given of this particular phenomena. A correct or standard form is the word ôtoilet.ö In its hypercorrect form, it is pronounced as though it was spelled ôterletö in the belief that since ôbirdö and not ôboidö is correct, ôterletö rather than ôtoiletö is correct (Western Washington University, 2003).
A second example of hypercorrect speech is ôbetween her and me,ö the standard form, often modified to ôbetween she and I.ö This modification proceeds from the belief that if one should not say ôher and me are good friends,ö one should always avoid any use of the phrase ôher and me" (Western Washington University, 2003).
There is little doubt that there is a remarkable persistence of regional and working class speech that is used to demonstrate regional or social group solidarity and also express antipathy toward outsiders (Lawrence, 1997). Public education is challenged by this particular phenomenon to assist learners in developing formal oral and written communication ability which avoids colloquialisms and any of the nuances associated with regional and working class speech patterns.
Specifically, OÆGrady, Dobrovolsky, and Aronoff (1997) argue that the public education system is charged with ensuring that all students in the United States receive a free and equal ed
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