Critical Exploration of Eliza’s Use of Restricted Code and Elaborated Code in Pygmalion

Abstract

This research paper explored the character of Eliza Doolittle in Pygmalion and its movie adaptation, My Fair Lady, through the use of Restricted and Elaborated Codes. These concepts examined Eliza’s transformation from a common flower girl to a duchess at the hands of Henry Higgins. The research employed the qualitative method and used Restricted Code and Elaborated Code concepts presented by Basildon Bernstein in his 2003 book, Theoretical Studies towards a Sociology of Language (Class, Codes and Control) for deductive thematic analysis. Given the context, Eliza’s dialogues and the settings in the play and the movie where she delivered those dialogues were also taken into account because the relationship between social class and language could not be ignored in the society Eliza inhabits. The study also focused on her dilemmas, dreams, desires and struggles to determine the outcomes of Eliza’s transformation, whether it was a blessing or a curse. By analysing Eliza’s use of language and interactions, the findings offered insights into the power dynamics of language and social class in shaping an individual’s identity.