Introduction to Sociolinguistics (eBook)

Ronald Wardhaugh is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Linguistics at the University of Toronto. He is the author of a number of books, including Proper English (1998) and Understanding English Grammar (second edition, 2003), both published by Wiley-Blackwell.

Preface.

Acknowledgements.

1. Introduction

Knowledge of Language

Variation

Language and Society

Sociolinguistics and the Sociology of Language

Methodological Concerns

Overview

Further Reading

Part I: Languages and Communities:

2. Languages, Dialects, and Varieties

Language or Dialect?

Standardization

Regional Dialects

Social Dialects

Styles, Registers, and Beliefs

Further Reading

3. Pidgins and Creoles

Lingua Francas

Definitions

Distribution and Characteristics

Origins

From Pidgin to Creole and Beyond

Further Reading

4. Codes

Diglossia

Bilingualism and Multilingualism

Code-Switching

Accommodation

Further Reading

5. Speech Communities

Definitions

Intersecting Communities

Networks and Repertoires

Further Reading

Part II: Inherent Variety:

6. Language Variation

Regional Variation

The Linguistic Variable

Social Variation

Data Collection and Analysis

Further Reading

7. Some Findings and Issues

An Early Study

New York City

Norwich and Reading

A Variety of Studies

Belfast

Controversies

Further Reading

8. Change

The Traditional View

Some Changes in Progress

The Process of Change

Further Reading

Part III: Words at Work:

9. Words and Culture

Whorf

Kinship

Taxonomies

Color

Prototypes

Taboo and Euphemism

Further Reading

10. Ethnographies

Varieties of Talk

The Ethnography of Speaking

Ethnomethodology

Further Reading

11. Solidarity and Politeness

Tu and Vous

Address Terms

Politeness

Further Reading

12. Talk and Action

Speech Acts

Cooperation

Conversation

Further Reading

Part IV: Understanding and Intervening:

13. Gender

Differences

Possible Explanations

Further Reading

14. Disadvantage

Codes Again

African American English

Consequences for Education

Further Reading

15. Planning

Issues

A Variety of Situations

Further Examples

Winners and Losers

Further Reading

16. Conclusion

References

Index

"Comprehensively, the book provides a rich source of overviews ofthe field of sociolinguistics that will undoubtedly affordresearchers and students in the area insightful knowledge evokingadditional future dialogue and research." (LINGUIST List,December 2010)

Praise for Previous Editions

"The standard text in advanced undergraduate andintroductory graduate courses" (Language)

"Among the various introductions to sociolinguistics, thisone certainly stands out in its comprehensiveness... it offersa wealth of relevant and correct information"(Sociolinguistica)"In this revised and updated edition of his classic text, Wardaughbrings us a smartly revitalized presentation, including up to theminute, current advances in sociolinguistics. While AnIntroduction to Sociolinguistics retains its comprehensivecoverage and accessible style, it also presents students with acontemporary text that is sure to spark interest in thediscipline."
-Alexandra D'Arcy, University of Canterbury

"Wardhaugh has long provided teachers and introductory studentswith a clear yet challenging introductory textbook that is prizedby all who value broad understanding of the full scope ofsociolinguistic study. This latest edition once again ensures thatreaders are up-to-date in even the most rapidly advancing areas ofresearch, including language and identity and language and gender.In addition, it offers enhanced reader engagement through theinclusion of thought-provoking questions and hands-on exercisesgenerously distributed throughout each chapter. Wardhaugh has longbeen a staple in my introductory sociolinguistics classes, and thetext is now even more indespensible than ever."
-Natalie Schilling-Estes, Georgetown University