Sociolinguistics is one of the central branches of modern linguistics and deals with the place of language in human societies. This introductory textbook expertly synthesises the main approaches to the subject.
Joan Swann Book order






- 2023
- 2021
Includes 65 common academic literacy terms and explores how they relate to genres, writing conventions, and language use. Each entry briefly defines the term, identifies variations and tensions about its use across disciplines, provides examples, and includes reflection questions. An appendix lists further readings for each entry.
- 2020
Language in Indenture
- 342 pages
- 12 hours of reading
Originally published in 1991. The transplantation of thousands of Indian workers to South Africa under indenture between 1860 and 1911 was a political act with far-reaching consequences for their linguistic traditions. In this book, the history of one of these Indic languages, Bhojpuri, and its adaptations to its new context are traced to the point where a distinct South African Bhojpuri koine (generally known as Hindi) came into being. The roots and subsequent evolution of this language variety, as well as the events contributing to its demise, form the basis of this study. Current patterns of usage by different generations are documented in the form of traditional folk tales, proverbs, riddles and songs, alongside personal interviews. This study offers a partial history of Bhojpuri speakers, who have been otherwise largely silent in the history of colonial Natal.
- 2013
The Sociolinguistics of Writing
- 200 pages
- 7 hours of reading
Introduces an area that is growing in importance within sociolinguistics, illustrating and challenging the 'great divide' between speech and writing. This book brings the study of writing to the heart of sociolinguistic inquiry.
- 2009
The Routledge Companion to English Language Studies
- 324 pages
- 12 hours of reading
The book presents a comprehensive overview of key topics and debates in English Language Studies, blending established knowledge with recent advancements. Renowned language specialists contribute their expertise, providing clear explanations that make complex issues accessible to readers. This guide serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the evolving landscape of language studies.
- 2007
Learning English
- 296 pages
- 11 hours of reading
English is learned in most parts of the world, both through use in the home and community, and as a major language of education. This title focuses on a child's acquisition of spoken and written English in monolingual and bilingual contexts. It also explores the nature of the curriculum in different parts of the world.
- 1997
She Came to the Castro
- 252 pages
- 9 hours of reading
A fourth lesbian crime novel, featuring Emma Victor. Emma is very short of cash and needs to find a big assignment. When she and her lawyer boss are called in to help a blackmail victim, they become involved in a case which could have far reaching political consequences in San Francisco. From the author of SHE CAME IN A FLASH.
- 1986
She Came Too Late
- 192 pages
- 7 hours of reading
'She was a warm body... I didn't want to know her. And I didn't want to notice the small black charred hole in the back of her trench coat. I grabbed a wrist. It was warm but there was no pulse. Not that I could feel...' It's been a long hot summer. At the Women's Hotline, Emma Victor is struggling under the burden of too many calls and too many government cuts. Then she gets a cry for help she simply can't refuse. Reluctantly Victor agrees to break the rules and meet her client. There's only one problem: the woman's already dead...