‘Here is a welcome introduction to sociolinguistics by a leading researcher in the field.
Users will be inspired by the breadth and sweep of Meyerhoff’s treatment.’
William Labov, University of Pennsylvania, USA
‘Miriam Meyerhoff’s entertaining volume revels in the diversity that is the cornerstone of sociolinguistics – she takes us to every continent to provide contemporary, refreshing and engaging examples of the key concepts of the discipline, and does so in a well-paced and readable style. The book is authoritative yet open-minded, innovative yet touches all the bases that need to be touched. Most of all, it embodies a passion for sociolinguistics that I hope many readers will embrace.’
David Britain, University of Essex, UK
Introducing Sociolinguistics provides a solid, up-to-date appreciation of the interdisciplinary nature of the field. It covers foundation issues, recent advances and current debates, presenting familiar or classic data in new ways and supplementing the familiar with fresh examples from a wide range of languages and social settings. It clearly explains the patterns and systems that underlie language variation in use, as well as the ways in which alternations between different language varieties index personal style, social power and national identity.
Individual chapters cover:
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
■
Social dialects and individual style
Language attitudes
Politeness
Multilingualism and language choice
Real time and apparent time change in language
Social class, social networks and communities of practice
Gender
Language and dialect contact
Most chapters include: exercises that enable readers to engage critically with the text; breakout boxes making connections between sociolinguistics and linguistic or social theory; and brief, lively add-ons guaranteed to make the book a memorable and enjoyable read. With a full glossary of terms and suggestions for further reading, this text
References: and an Index. The Routledge Companion to Sociolinguistics opens up this discipline for the newcomer and provides a useful reference guide for the more advance sociolinguist. 0–415–33850–6 978–0415–33850–9 Available at all good bookshops For ordering and further information please visit www.routledge.com