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.
- 2018
Stevie-Girl and the Phantom of Crybaby Bridge
- 158 pages
- 6 hours of reading
Stevie and her best friend, Jase, are phantom magnets. Whenever they are together, the doorway between this world and the next swings slightly open. The summer his parents treat them to a camping trip in New Mexico, the two friends can't wait to visit the legendary Crybaby Bridge. Right away, they hear the crying baby. Is it a phantom, or is someone playing tricks on them? As the two friends scour the campgrounds for answers, they discover that phantoms are not the only secrets the nearby town has kept hidden for over 60 years. They also discover things about each other, and about Stevie's family history, that will force their relationship to a whole new level--a level from which there may be no return.
- 2015
The Discourse of Reading Groups
Integrating Cognitive and Sociocultural Perspectives
- 214 pages
- 8 hours of reading
Exploring the dynamics of reading groups, this study delves into how collective reading fosters interpersonal connections and shapes individual reader identities. It examines the conceptual exchanges that occur within these groups, highlighting the significance of social interaction in the reading experience. Through this lens, the book reveals the transformative power of shared literary discussions and their impact on personal and communal understanding.
- 2015
Beyond the Sea of Ice
- 48 pages
- 2 hours of reading
An illustrated introduction for pre-teens to the 17th-century voyages of explorer Henry Hudson who sought a north-west passage through the impenetrable fog of the Canadian ice pack and ended up being jettisoned by his mutinous crew.
- 2013
A Scholar's Guide to Getting Published in English: Critical Choices and Practical Strategies
- 192 pages
- 7 hours of reading
This book aims to demystify the practices of scholarly publishing in English. It focuses on practices, institutions and politics rather than language and writing. Drawing on 10 years of research into academic publishing and writing practices, it provides a guide for readers to relate to their own contexts and situations as they consider publishing.
- 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.