An Introduction to Sociolinguistics (Learning About Language)

This introductory book considers the question "What is sociolinguistics?", and explains sociolinguistic concepts through a wide range of examples. It draws from both 'classic' approaches to the subject as well as from more recent research, introducing terms like 'code-switching' and 'social dialect'. It is conveniently divided into three sections. In the first, Janet Holmes shows how language is used in multilingual speech communities and explains how and why languages change within society and highlights the factors that lead to the displacement of one language by another, and sometimes the death of a language. The central section gives a comprehensive and well-illustrated exploration of social reasons for language change, exploring language change in monolingual communities and the features of a variety of dialects. The author shows how and why differing racial and social groups develop and maintain speech variations. In the final section, Janet Holmes assesses how attitudes to language affect speech and shows that linguistic responses depend upon a variety of contextual factors - for example, the status of the person being addressed and our reasons for speaking. Our attitudes to language have strong implications for our community. An Introduction to Sociolinguistics describes how language usage reflects the values of society, how society's view of women is reflected in language and how women are linguistically more polite than men.

‘ A perfect book for an introductory undergraduate class: accessibly written, dense with examples, and comprehensive, both in terms of topic and geographic focus. ’

Scott Kiesling, University of Pittsburgh

'Those who, like me, use Janet Holmes’ inspirational Introduction to Sociolinguistics... will be delighted with this thoroughly revised and updated new edition. It is just as much fun to read as the previous editions, has the same clear, lively writing style and contains an even more comprehensive survey than before of the different topics that excite sociolinguists. The brand new chapter...broadens its appeal still further.'

Professor Jenny Cheshire, Queen Mary, Universityof London 

 

Learning about Language

General Editors: Geoffrey Leech and Mick Short, LancasterUniversity

 

What is sociolinguistics?

Sociolinguistics is the study of the interaction between language and society. In this classic introductory work, Janet Holmes examines the role of language in a variety of social contexts and considers both how language works and how it can be used to signal and interpret various aspects of social identity. Written with Holmes’ customary enthusiasm, the book is divided into three sections which explain basic sociolinguistic concepts in the light of both classic approaches and the most recent research.

Section A examines the varying patterns of language use within multilingual speech communities and considers the ways in which languages change within society, highlighting the factors that can lead to language displacement and, sometimes, to language death.

Section B explores some of the social reasons behind language variation in monolingual communities and looks at the ways in which different ethnic, gender and social groups develop and maintain speech variations. The relationship between language variation and language change is also described.

Section C assesses how attitudes to language affect speech behaviour and shows that appropriate linguistic responses take account of a variety of contextual factors – for example, the relative status of addresser and addressee.  

This third edition has been updated thoroughly and new examples have been added to enhance understanding. A major addition to this edition is an extended chapter on discourse analysis which outlines a number of different approaches to analysing spoken language in its social context. Supported throughout by a range of exercises and suggestions for further reading, An Introduction to Sociolinguistics is an essential introductory text for all students of sociolinguistics and a splendid point of reference for students of applied linguistics. It is also an accessible guide for those who are simply interested in language and the uses we put it to.

Janet Holmes holds a personal Chair in Linguistics at Victoria University of Wellington where she teaches a range of sociolinguistics courses.