Linguistic Variation and Change (Edinburgh Sociolinguistics) - Hardcover

Scott F. Kiesling

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0748637613 ISBN 13: 9780748637614

Publisher: Edinburgh University Press, 2011

Synopsis

The study of variation and change is at the heart of the sociolinguistics. Providing a wide survey of the field, this textbook is organised around three constraints on variation: linguistic structure, social structure and identity, and social and linguistic perception. By considering both structure and meaning, Scott F. Kiesling examines the most important issues surrounding variation theory, including canonical studies and terms, as well as challenges to them. Research in non-English and non-European contexts is also addressed. A range of different topics within sociolinguistics is covered including: * The linguistic variable and its status * Sociolinguistic methods * The description of variable patterns * Linguistic and social structure * Social meaning and perception. With over 50 figures and a practical section on methodology, this textbook is an ideal solution for undergraduate and postgraduate students of sociolinguistics seeking a comprehensive study of variation and change.

About this title

About the Author

Scott F. Kiesling is Associate Professor of Linguistics at the University of Pittsburgh. He has published on a wide variety of sociolinguistic projects. Through analyses of language in use in a number of different populations and places, he has focused on understanding how speakers create social meaning with language.

From the Back Cover

Edinburgh Sociolinguistics

Series Editors: Joan Swann and Paul Kerswill

The study of variation and change is at the heart of the sociolinguistics. Providing a wide survey of the field, this textbook is organised around three constraints on variation: linguistic structure, social structure and identity, and social and linguistic perception. By considering both structure and meaning, Scott F. Kiesling examines the most important issues surrounding variation theory, including canonical studies and terms, as well as challenges to them. Research in non-English and non-European contexts is also addressed.

Key Features

• The linguistic variable and its status
• Sociolinguistic methods
• The description of variable patterns
• Linguistic and social structure
• Social meaning and perception

With over 50 figures and a practical section on methodology, this textbook is an ideal solution for undergraduate and postgraduate students of sociolinguistics seeking a comprehensive study of variation and change.

Scott F. Kiesling is Associate Professor of Linguistics at the University of Pittsburgh. Through analyses of language in use in a number of different populations and places, he has focused on understanding how speakers create social meaning with language.

Edition details

• Publisher: Edinburgh University Press
• Publication date: 2011
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0748637613
• ISBN 13: 9780748637614
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 208