quite a bit about the study of speech. In fact, he is a professor of phonetics. He can "pronounce one hundred thirty vowel sounds" and "place any man within six miles" of their homes (15). Sometimes he can even place them within two streets of their homes. When Eliza hears this, she decides to take advantage of Higgins' ability and take lessons from him. She learns a new form of speech and this newfound way of sp!
             eaking helps to pass her off as a duchess at an opera. Holden's speech also manages to categorize him: not class-wise, but rather age-wise and personality-wise. He captures the informal speech of an average intelligent adolescent. This speech includes both simple description and cursing. For example, in the introduction, Holden says, "They're nice and all," as well as, "I'm not going to tell you my whole goddam autobiography or anything" (1). The term "nice" is an extremely broad term Holden uses to characterize his parents. He does not want to disrespect them yet he does not feel right praising them either. This opening to Holden's story shows Holden's unwillingness to share his views. However, this gradually changes and he opens up. He uses the terms "and all" and "or anything" regularly throughout the novel and because not everyone speaks like this, these terms make Holden's speech unique. Holden also feels he has to confirm what he is saying because he does not quite believe himself. For example, he says, "I'm a pacifist, if you want to know the truth" (26). When Holden is particularly angry, he swears more often. He says "That guy Morrow is about as sensitive as a god dam toilet seat" (55).
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