AN INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLINGUISTICS The new eighth edition of An Introduction to
Sociolinguistics brings this valuable bestselling textbook up to date with the latest in
sociolinguistic research and pedagogy providing a broad overview of the study of language in
social context with accessible coverage of major concepts theories methods issues and
debates within the field. This leading text helps students develop a critical perspective on
language in society as they explore the complex connections between societal norms and language
use. The eighth edition contains new and updated coverage of such topics as the societal
aspects of African American Vernacular English (AAVE) multilingual societies and discourse
gender and sexuality ideologies and language attitudes and the social meanings of linguistic
forms. Organized in four sections this text first covers traditional language issues such as
the distinction between languages and dialects identification of regional and social variation
within languages and the role of context in language use and interpretation. Subsequent
chapters cover approaches to research in sociolinguistics--variationist sociolinguistics
ethnography and discourse analytic research--and address both macro- and micro-sociolinguistic
aspects of multilingualism in national transnational global and digital contexts. The
concluding section of the text looks at language in relation to gender and sexuality education
and language planning and policy issues. Featuring examples from a variety of languages and
cultures that illustrate topics such as social and regional dialects multilingualism and the
linguistic construction of identity this text provides perspectives on both new and
foundational research in sociolinguistics and linguistic anthropology. An Introduction to
Sociolinguistics Eighth Edition remains the ideal textbook for upper-level undergraduate and
graduate course in sociolinguistics language and society linguistic anthropology applied and
theoretical linguistics and education. The new edition has also been updated to support
classroom application with a range of effective pedagogical tools including end-of-chapter
written exercises and an instructor website as well as materials to support further learning
such as reading suggestions research ideas and an updated companion student website
containing a searchable glossary a review guide additional exercises and examples and links
to online resources.
