Language Structure
Children who come from lower-class homes often use restricted code, which is a form of speech that is commonly used in informal situations. Middle- and upper-class children are more familiar with elaborated code, a form of language that is associated with formal situations. Elaborated code uses a large vocabulary, standard syntax and a high percentage of complete sentences. Restricted code, however, uses fewer words, abbreviated sentences and limited vocabulary. As a result, lower-class children who use restricted code often score lower on IQ tests and have difficulty with abstract concepts. Their lack of language skills interferes with their learning and contributes to the cycle of poverty.

Vocabulary
USA Today indicates that children who come from lower-income homes, whose mothers have low vocabulary skills, are at a permanent disadvantage in the classroom. Since they learn to speak at home, they are affected by their mother's lack of vocabulary. They do not read as quickly as their peers, and they often use non-standard English. This can lead to lifelong academic difficulties. These academic learning problems often result in low-paying, minimal-skill jobs when the child reaches adulthood.

Second Language Acquisition
Immigrants who are lacking in English language skills are at a serious disadvantage when it comes to social class and economic advancement. According to the Julian Samora Research Institute, an Urban Institute survey found that insufficient language skills are more directly correlated with food insecurity and economic poverty than how long a person has been in the United States or whether or not he is a legal resident. Although immigrants are well-represented within the labor force, they hold a large percentage of underpaid and low-skill jobs.

Non-Standard Dialects
Regional dialects are often associated with low