Sociolinguistics is one of the central branches of modern linguistics & deals with the place of language in human societies. This second edition of Introducing Sociolinguistics expertly synthesises the main approaches to the subject. The book covers areas such as multilingualism code-choice language variation dialectology interactional studies gender language contact language & inequality & language & power. At the same time it provides an integrated perspective on these themes by examining sociological theories of human interaction. In this regard power & inequality are particularly significant. The book also contains two chapters on the applications of sociolinguistics (in education & in language policy & planning) & a concluding chapter on the sociolinguistics of sign language. New topics covered include speaking style & stylisation while current debates in areas like creolisation globalisation & language death language planning & gender are reflected. Written collaboratively by teachers & scholars with first hand experience of sociolinguistic developments on four continents this book provides the broadest introduction currently available to the central topics in sociolinguistics.
Features: * Provides a solid foundation in all aspects of sociolinguistics & explores important themes such as power & inequality sign language gender & the internet * Well illustrated with maps diagrams inset boxes drawings & cartoons * Accessibly written with the beginner in mind * Uses numerous examples from multilingual settings * Explains basic concepts supported by a glossary * Further Reading lists a full bibliography & a section on next steps provide valuable guidance.