An Introduction to Sociolinguistics (Blackwell Textbooks in Linguistics) - Softcover

Wardhaugh, Ronald

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0631183531 ISBN 13: 9780631183532

Publisher: Blackwell Pub, 1992

Synopsis

The second edition of this textbook has been thoroughly revised to include discussion of developments in sociolinguistics since the mid-1980s, referring in the process to some 100 recent books and papers. The book provides a comprehensive coverage of most of the topics dealt with in courses described as either "sociolinguistics" or "the sociology of language". Ronald Wardhaugh examines in full - dialect, language variation, pidgin and Creole languages, language change, ethnography, language and gender, and social codes. He gives a useful analysis of statistical methodology and a comprehensive introduction to the central topics of sociolinguistics. Each topic dealt with concludes with questions for discussion in the classroom, and references for further reading.

About this title

Book Description

Nearly twenty years ago, Ronald Wardhaugh provided the world of sociolinguistics with a popular and accessible textbook for introductory students. Keeping in step with this ever-changing field, the fifth edition has been thoroughly revised with 130 new and updated references and increased emphasis on issues of identity, solidarity, and power. Extensive discussion topics and recommendations for further reading accompany each chapter and featured topics include: language dialects, pidgins and creoles, speech communities, variation, words and culture, ethnographies, solidarity and politeness, talk and action, gender, disadvantage, and planning. This classic in the field assumes little previous knowledge of linguistics, anthropology, or sociology and may be used at an introductory level or as a supplementary text in higher-level courses.

From the Back Cover

Since it first appeared more than fifteen years ago, Ronald Wardhaugh's An Introduction to Sociolinguistics has been an immensely popular textbook for courses in sociolinguistics and the sociology of language.

Organized in four parts - Languages and Communities, Inherent Variety, Words at Work, and Understanding and Intervening - the book offers an accessible, comprehensive introduction to sociolinguistics. Topics explored include language, dialects, pidgins and creoles, codes, bilingualism, speech communities, variation, and change. The book also covers words and culture, ethnographies, solidarity and politeness, talk and action, gender, disadvantage, and planning.

In the fourth edition, the text, further reading sections, exercises, and references have been revised and updated to reflect new developments in the field. In particular, the coverage of gender, disadvantage, and planning has been considerably revised and extended.

Edition details

• Publisher: Blackwell Pub
• Publication date: 1992
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0631183531
• ISBN 13: 9780631183532
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 408