Synopses & Reviews
This accessible new textbook provides a clear introduction to sociolinguistics, the study of why we speak the way we do, and the social factors that influence our linguistic decisions. Topics covered include dialects, gender and age specific speech forms, professional jargons, diglossia, bilingualism, code-switching, pidgin languages, and language planning, all of which are unified by the common theme that speakers create their language by making choices. The volume draws on linguistic variation from an extensive range of societies and their languages.
Synopsis
This accessible new textbook provides a clear introduction to sociolinguistics, the study of why we speak the way we do, and the social factors influencing our linguistic descisions. Based on the notion of 'choice' - that as speakers we select from the options open to us - it provides a solid theoretical framework to deal with variability and diversity in language. Sociolinguistics: The Study of Speakers' Choices is a key text for all students of sociolinguistics, and will be welcomed by anyone interested in the complex interaction between language and society.
Synopsis
A clear introduction to sociolinguistics, the study of the social factors influencing our linguistic choices.
About the Author
Florian Coulmas is Director of the German Institute of Japanese Studies, Tokyo.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction: notions of language; Part I. Micro Choices: 2. Standard and dialect: social stratification as a factor of linguistic choice; 3. Gendered speech: sex as a factor of linguistic choice; 4. Communicating across generations: age as a factor of linguistic choice; 5. Choice and change; 6. Politeness: cultural dimensions of linguistic choice; Part II. Macro Choices: 7. Code-switching: linguistic choices across boundaries; 8. Diglossia and bilingualism: functional restrictions on language choice; 9. Language spread, shift and maintenance: how groups choose their language; 10. Language and identity: individual, social, national; 11. Language planning: communication demands, public choice, utility; 12. Select letters: a major divide; 13. The language of choice.