An Introduction to Sociolinguistics: fourth edition: Learning About Language - Softcover

Holmes, Prof Janet

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1408276747 ISBN 13: 9781408276747

Publisher: Pearson, 2013

Synopsis

First published in 1992, Janet Holmes' An Introduction to Sociolinguistics has established itself as the key introductory textbook in the field, and this new fourth edition has been updated and expanded to include new material.

It is divided into three sections. In the first, Janet Holmes shows how language is used in multilingual speech communities and explains the varying patterns of language use. She examines how and why languages change within society and highlights the factors that lead to the displacement of one language by another, and sometimes even 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. She shows how and why differing social and racial 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.

Written in an accessible way, this essential introductory text is and illustrated throughout with numerous examples.

About this title

About the Author

Janet Holmes is Professor of Linguistics at Victoria University of Wellington. She teaches sociolinguistics courses from first year to postgraduate level Her books include Gendered Talk at Work andthe Blackwell Handbook of Language and Gender (co-edited with Miriam Meyerhoff). Most recently she has published Leadership, Discourse and Ethnicity (co-authored with Meredith Marra and Bernadette Vine) reflecting her most recent research interests which focus on leadership discourse and the relevance of gender and ethnicity in the workplace.

From the Back Cover

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, considering 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 classic approaches as well as introducing more recent research.

This fourth edition has been revised and updated throughout using key concepts and examples to guide the reader through this fascinating area, including:

- New sections on:

koines and koineisation
linguistic landscapes
New Englishes
Stylisation
language and sexuality
societal approaches to attitude research
forensic linguistics

- A new selection of informative examples, exercises and maps

-Fully updated further reading and references sections

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 many and varied uses we put it to.

Janet Holmes is Professor of Linguistics at Victoria University of Wellington. She teaches sociolinguistics courses from first year to postgraduate level   Her books include Gendered Talk at Workandthe Blackwell Handbook of Language and Gender (co-edited with Miriam Meyerhoff). Most recently she has published Leadership, Discourse and Ethnicity (co-authored with Meredith Marra and Bernadette Vine) reflecting her most recent research interests which focus on leadership discourse and the relevance of gender and ethnicity in the workplace.

 

Edition details

• Publisher: Pearson
• Publication date: 2013
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1408276747
• ISBN 13: 9781408276747
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 4
• Number of pages: 512