An Introduction To Sociolinguistics

In this classic introductory work, Holmes and Wilson examine the role of language in a variety of social contexts.It is an essential introductory text for all students of sociolinguistics and a splendid point of reference for students of English language studies, linguistics and applied linguistics.

Sociolinguistics is the study of the interaction between language and society. In this classic introductory work, Janet Holmes and Nick Wilson examine the role of language in a variety of social contexts, considering both how language works and how it can be used to signal and interpret various aspects of social identity. Divided into three parts, this book explains basic sociolinguistic concepts in the light of classic approaches, as well as introducing more recent research.

This sixth edition has been revised and updated throughout, using key concepts and examples to guide the reader through this fascinating area, including:

• New material on gender, social media and online use of language, codeswitching, and language policy

• An updated companion website that is fully cross- referenced within this book and features video and audio materials and links to useful websites

• Revised examples and exercises that include new material from Asia and South America

• Fully updated further reading and references sections

An Introduction to Sociolinguistics is an essential introductory text for all students of sociolinguistics and a splendid point of reference for students of English language studies, linguistics, and applied linguistics.

List of Figures

List of Images

List of Maps

List of Tables

Preface to Sixth edition

Preface to Fifth Edition

Preface to Fourth Edition

Preface to Third Edition

Preface to Second Edition

Preface to First Edition

Author’s Acknowledgements

Publisher’s Acknowledgements

The Online Companion

1. What do sociolinguists study?

Section I: Multilingual Speech Communities

2. Language choice in multilingual communities

3. Language maintenance and shift

4. Linguistic varieties and multilingual nations

5. National languages, language policy, and language planning

Section II: Language Variation: Focus on Users

6. Regional and social dialects

7. Gender and age

8. Ethnicity and social networks

9. Language change

Interlude: Identity in Sociolinguistics

Section III: Language Variation: Focus on Uses

10. Style, context and register

11. Speech functions, politeness and cross-cultural communication

12. Gender, politeness and stereotypes

13. Language, cognition and culture

14. Analysing Discourse

15. Attitudes and applications

16. Conclusion

References

Appendix: phonetic symbols

Glossary

Index

"This excellent and accessible textbook is tried and tested. I have used it for undergraduate courses in Europe and Asia for more than 20 years with great success. The 6th edition discusses even more languages and countries, and each chapter includes a methodology section which will help students engage in sociolinguistic research."

Hans Ladegaard, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, China

"For those (students or laypersons) fascinated in the role, functions, forms, and uses of language – and policies relating to them – in our (and others’) social worlds, then this is the introduction for you. It is uniquely reader-friendly with global examples of a myriad of concepts central to sociolinguistics, aligned with intriguing exercises (and their answers) that ensure complete understanding and mastery."