An Introduction to English Sociolinguistics

By Graeme Trousdale

Book Overview

Designed for beginning undergraduates studying for degrees in English, this textbook provides an introduction to a range of sociolinguistic theories and the insights they provide for a greater understanding of varieties of English, past and present. Drawing on both qualitative and quantitative approaches to sociolinguistic variation, the book provides a systematic overview such topics as: *'English' as a social and as a linguistic concept*English speech communities*Social and regional dialectology in relation to varieties of English*English historical sociolinguistics, from Old English to late Modern English*Sociolinguistics and change in English*Outcomes of contact involving varieties of English*English and language planning*English, sociolinguistics and linguistic theory.The book contains data drawn from studies of English as it is used around the world. Throughout, there is an emphasis on facilitating a deeper understanding of linguistic variation in English and the social, political and cultural contexts in which speakers and writers of English operate.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0748623256
• ISBN13: 9780748623259
• Release Date: April 2010
• Publisher: Edinburgh University Press
• Length: 168 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.4" x 8.4"
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher