An Introduction to Sociolinguistics (Learning About Language) - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0582060621 ISBN 13: 9780582060623

Publisher: Longman, 1992

Synopsis

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.

About this title

Review

"xxx; a welcome addition xxx; comprehensive in its coverage and lucid in its style."

Language and Education

From the Back Cover

learning about language
General Editors- Geoffrey Leech and Mick Short, Lancaster University
What is sociolinguistics?
This introductory textbook provides a penetrating answer to this question, explaining basic sociolinguistic concepts through a wide range of examples, and by drawing on 'classic' approaches to the subject as well as from the most recent research.
The book is conveniently divided into three sections-
* Section one shows how language is used in multilingual speech communities and explains the varying patterns of language use. Janet Holmes examines 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.
* Section two explores social reasons for language change, looking at 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.
* The final section assesses how attitudes to language affect speech and shows that linguistic responses depend on a variety of contextual factors - for example, the status of the person being addressed and our reasons for speaking.
This new edition has been updated thoroughly throughout, and adds new sections on social constructionist approaches to language and gender, and the concept of community of practice. There is also a completely new chapter on language, cognition and culture, which introduces students to the ideas of Benjamin Lee Whorf, as well as to the wider implications of the important concept of linguistic relativity.
Containing a series of student exercises and suggestions for further reading, An Introduction to Sociolinguistics is an essential introductory text for students of sociolinguistics and anyone interested in the study of language.
Janet Holmes holds a personal Chair in Linguistics at Victoria University of Wellington, where she teaches a variety of sociolinguistics courses.

Edition details

• Publisher: Longman
• Publication date: 1992
• ISBN 10: 0582060621
• ISBN 13: 9780582060623
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 432
• Editor: Holmes Prof Janet