Language in Society: An Introduction to Sociolinguistics - Softcover

Romaine, Suzanne

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0198751346 ISBN 13: 9780198751342

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 1994

Synopsis

Why have 1,500 separate languages developed in Melanesia? Why is a Cornish accent rated higher than Cockney speech but lower than Oxford English? Linguistics tends to ignore the relationship between languages and the societies in which they are spoken, while sociology generally overlooks the role of language in the constitution of society. Suzanne Romaine provides a clear, lively, and accessible introduction to the field of sociolinguistics, emphasizing the constant interaction between society and language. In her examples she draws on studies of cultures all over the world, including her own extensive fieldwork in Papua New Guinea.

About this title

About the Author

Suzanne Romaine is Merton Professor of English Language at Oxford University.

Review

"Refreshingly up-to-date, with a broad range of pertinent examples. It deserves to become the standard introduction to that most basic of sciences, sociolinguistics. Top marks!"--John R. Perry, University of Chicago

"An engaging introductory book, easy to read and accessible enough for undergraduate students while being current and detailed enough for a graduate level introductory courses....A good substitute for Trudgill's....My students were also pleased with the affordability of the text."--Joaquin S. Vila, Mankato State University

"Provides an excellent foundation for students in introductory courses. Excellent resource to supplement multicultural courses in speech-language pathology and audiology."--Adele Proctor, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

"An up-to-date, somtimes issue oriented, and very readable introductory text. Good examples used."--Brian Stross, University of Texas

"Would recommend this book strongly as a general introduction to the study of language....It should be read before books on syntax or others on 'sociolinguistics' because it clearly lays before the reader the essentials of language as a tool for communication in a human context. Readable and informative."--Robert Austerlitz, Columbia University

"This appears to be an ideal text for my course, Language and Culture."--Harold R. Battersby, SUNY-Geneseo

"This book is a valuable introduction to the field of sociolinguistics for upper-level undergraduates and graduate students. It is a readable yet thorough study which offers both the traditional viewpoint and alternative perspectives on a `still rather young' discipline."--Language In Society

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 1994
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0198751346
• ISBN 13: 9780198751342
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 250