Final answer:
William Labov's study highlighted how pronunciation, specifically of the /r/ sound, varies with social class in New York, demonstrating the connection between language patterns and social status within the city's department stores.
Step-by-step explanation:
William Labov's study of /r/ pronunciation in New York City department stores demonstrated the presence of sociolects, which are variations of dialect according to social class. This landmark sociolinguistic study observed that employees in higher-status department stores were more likely to pronounce the /r/ sound in words as part of the rhotic accents that are characteristic of higher socioeconomic classes, suggesting a strong link between speech patterns and social aspiration or prestige. Even within the same urban area, these sociolects highlighted how one's language could signal one's social status or background, emphasizing the intricate relationship between language, class, and identity. This study is an example of how American regional dialects and sociolects can vary greatly, not just in different territories but even within single cities such as New York City, providing a basis for understanding how language reflects social segmentation.