U and Non-U Revisited

U and Non-U Revisited, published in 1978, is Buckle's follow-up to Nancy Mitford's 1956 essay on British class distinctions in language usage. The book examines how upper-class (U) and non-upper-class (Non-U) linguistic markers evolved in British society over two decades. Through interviews and observations, Buckle documents shifts in vocabulary, pronunciation, and social customs across different strata of British life in the 1970s. His research spans multiple regions and social circles, building on and updating Mitford's original classifications of language use. Through analysis of these linguistic differences, Buckle explores broader changes in Britain's class structure and social mobility during this period. The work stands as a sociological document of British class consciousness and identity at a time of cultural transition. The book raises questions about the persistence of class markers in language even as traditional social hierarchies began to erode. Its examination of how people signal status through speech remains relevant to understanding class dynamics.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Richard Buckle's overall work: Readers value Buckle's detailed research and intimate knowledge of ballet history, particularly in his biographies of Nijinsky and Diaghilev. His personal connections to key dance figures lend authenticity to his accounts. What readers liked: - Clear explanations of complex ballet history - Inclusion of first-hand accounts and primary sources - Balance between academic depth and readable style - Thorough documentation of ballet's development in the 20th century What readers disliked: - Dense writing can be challenging for casual readers - Some passages focus too heavily on social context rather than dance - Occasional bias when discussing personal acquaintances - Limited availability of his works in print Ratings: Goodreads: "Nijinsky" - 4.1/5 (127 ratings) "Diaghilev" - 4.3/5 (89 ratings) Amazon: "Nijinsky" - 4.5/5 (12 reviews) "Diaghilev" - 4.7/5 (8 reviews) Several readers note his works remain relevant reference materials for dance students and historians, though newer biographical works have emerged since publication.

The F Word by Jesse Sheidlower This dictionary traces the evolution of social taboos and linguistic etiquette in English speaking society.

Class: A Guide Through the American Status System by Paul Fussell This examination of social class markers in America covers speech patterns, clothing choices, and behavioral indicators across different socioeconomic groups.

Talk Posh Now by Catherine Ritzen The book documents changes in upper-class British speech patterns from the Victorian era through modern times.

The Rise and Fall of Class in Britain by Sir David Cannadine This historical analysis tracks the relationship between language use and social status in British society from the 18th century to present day.

Speaking of Class: Language and Social Class in America by John Baugh The text explores how vocabulary and pronunciation serve as class markers in American society across different regions and time periods.

📚 U and Non-U language became a cultural phenomenon in Britain after Nancy Mitford's original 1954 essay, sparking heated debates about class distinctions in speech. 🎨 Richard Buckle was primarily known as a ballet critic and biographer of Diaghilev and Nijinsky before publishing this social commentary in 1978. 🗣️ The term "U" stands for "Upper class," while "Non-U" refers to middle-class language usage - for example, "sofa" is U, while "settee" is considered Non-U. 📖 The book expanded on Mitford's original work by examining how class-based language differences evolved during the social changes of the 1960s and 70s. 🌟 The publication sparked renewed interest in class linguistics at a time when traditional British class structures were being challenged by post-war social mobility.