Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Sociolinguistics: Society and Identity 2. Identity as a Central Theme in Linguistics 3. Language Variation 4. Language Development 5. Language and Social Interaction 6. Language Ideology 7. Language, Power Macro-societal Issues 8. Sociolinguistics: Methods and Approaches Bibliography Index

Promotional Information

Modern and accessible introduction to key themes and topics in contemporary sociolinguistics, focussing particularly on identity.

About the Author

Sharon K. Deckert is Assistant Professor of Applied Linguistics at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, USA Caroline H. Vickers is Associate Professor of Applied Linguistics/TESL at California State University San Bernardino, USA

Reviews

This is an engaging and compelling introduction to the field of sociolinguistics. It is a compact, comprehensive explication of the state of sociolinguistics today that crystallizes the topics of greatest interest to the field. This is a terrific book because it not only introduces students to the central topics currently on the minds of sociolinguists but demonstrates how quality sociolinguistic work is accomplished by highlighting timely and influential empirical studies. Taken as a whole, the authors construct a literature review that reflects the pulse of today's sociolinguistics. The final chapter is especially valuable because it apprentices students-in a welcoming and demystifying way--into qualitative methods of sociolinguistic inquiry. Because it captures the poststructuralist, social constructivist, qualitative turn to sociolinguistics today, this textbook stands to have a notable impact on current and future sociolinguistic scholarship. -- Bryan Meadows, Assistant Professor, Department of English, University of Texas Pan-American, USA
Deckert and Vickers offer an excellent overview on the interrelationship between language and social identity. The discussion draws on research from a range of fields and is accompanied by compelling illustrations and practical activities, making the text eminently suitable for introductory courses on the topic. -- Joan Kelly Hall, Department of Applied Linguistics, Penn State University, USA
Recommended in the Times Higher Education textbook guide: "Intended to serve as a definitive introductory work on modern sociolinguistics for both undergraduates and postgraduates, this text looks at the study of language and society through the concept of identity. Adopting an interdisciplinary approach, the authors introduce work from a variety of fields that examine sociolinguistic data, including linguistics, anthropology, sociology, psychology and education." * Times Higher Education *