The mode of address also varies in its formality or social distance. For a discussion of modes of address in television news see Hartley 1982, Chapter 6. They define 'the functions of address' in terms of the construction of such subjects and of relationships between them. They note that 'the phatic function works in terms of both inclusion and exclusion. Familiarity with particular codes is related to social position, in terms of such factors as class, ethnicity, nationality, education, occupation, political affiliation, age, gender and sexuality.
Some codes are more widespread and accessible than others.
In such codes several elements serve to emphasise and reinforce preferred meanings. Insofar as such positions suggest that broadcast codes restrict expressive possibilities this arguments has affinities with Whorfianism . The dangers of litism inherent in such stances make it particularly important that the evidence is closely examined in the context of the particular code under study.