Linguistic Variation and Change: On the Historical Sociolinguistic of English (Language in Society) - Softcover

Milroy, James

Softcover

ISBN 10: 063114367X ISBN 13: 9780631143673

Publisher: Blackwell Pub, 1992

Synopsis

This book is concerned with the explanation of linguistic change. Focusing on variation in the English language, it explores the extent to which language change is a social phenomenon. Language, James Milroy holds, cannot adequately be observed or described independently of society. In analyzing patterns of language use, we must be aware of social and situational contexts and of the norms of usage in the speech community. He discusses these methodological issues in relation to his own sociolinguistic research in Belfast, and argues that in explaining language variation we need first to understand these factors which maintain language and resist change. In contrast to the intra-linguistic approach of traditional historical work, this book presents a social model of change derived from the study of social networks and the links between networks and social class. Language change, Professor Milroy suggests,is made possible to the extent that it is passed from person to person in conversational encounters.

Edition details

• Publisher: Blackwell Pub
• Publication date: 1992
• ISBN 10: 063114367X
• ISBN 13: 9780631143673
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 256