This study analyses, based on the Theory of Language Variation and Change (WEINREICH; LABOV; HERZOG, 1968 e LABOV, 1972, 1994, 2001), the variation/change in the expression of the 1st person plural in the speech of two neighboring cities, Cabo Verde-MG and Muzambinho-MG, which are characterized as rurban communities (BORTONIRICARDO, 2004). The process does not follow the general trends already attested in large urban centers: a gente is not the dominant variant, nor is it more present in the speech of younger generations. This scenario is correlated with the specific set of variants in use (nós, nóis, nói, a gente) in the speech of these communities, as well as with the social meanings locally linked with these forms: rurality (nói and nóis) and urbanity (a gente), accessed through a questionnaire of subjective reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]