Key Topics in Sociolinguistics Series

Organized thematically, this introduction outlines the basic principles and moves on to examine the methods and theory of CDA (critical discourse analysis). Topics covered include text and context, language and inequality, choice and determination, history and process, ideology and identity. Jan Blommaert focuses on how language can offer a crucial understanding of wider aspects of power relations, arguing that CDA should specifically analyze the effects of power.

Focusing on the concept of style in speech, this 2007 book delves into the study of accents and dialects. It explores how variations in speech reflect identity and social context, providing insights into linguistic diversity. The author presents methods for analyzing speech patterns, highlighting the importance of understanding regional and social influences on language. Through detailed examination, readers gain a deeper appreciation for the nuances of spoken communication.

During the last fifteen years, existing models of linguistic politeness have generated a huge amount of empirical research. Using a wide range of data from real-life speech situations, this new introduction to politeness breaks away from the limitations of current models and argues that the proper object of study in politeness theory must be commonsense notions of what politeness and impoliteness are. From this, Watts argues, a more appropriate model, one based on Bourdieu's concept of social practice, is developed.

Focusing on language attrition, this book explores both linguistic and extralinguistic factors that contribute to the loss of language skills. It offers a comprehensive overview of the various features involved in the process and outlines effective research methodologies for studying this phenomenon.