Key Topics in Sociolinguistics Series

This series delves into the core areas of contemporary sociolinguistics, offering accessible yet challenging explorations of language and society. Each volume examines the most critical issues, re-examining established topics in light of new developments while also addressing emergent concerns. Written by leading experts, these books are invaluable resources for students and researchers alike. They provide foundational knowledge and insightful perspectives for anyone studying the intricate connections between language and social life.

Recommended Reading Order

Discourse. A critical introduction
Jan Blommaert
314 pages
11 hours of reading
3.9(31)Add rating
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.
Writing and Society
Florian Coulmas
194 pages
7 hours of reading
Delving into the multifaceted roles of writing and written language, this work examines their profound impacts on language development, societal structures, economic systems, and political dynamics. It offers insights into how written communication shapes human interaction and influences various aspects of life, highlighting the intricate connections between literacy and cultural evolution.
Style
Language Variation and Identity
Nikolas Coupland
224 pages
8 hours of reading
4.1(17)Add rating
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.
Multilingualism
'Anat Stavans
319 pages
12 hours of reading
3.0(1)Add rating
Using a multidisciplinary approach, this book explores how multilingualism is shaped by a variety of factors.
Politeness
Richard J. Watts
318 pages
12 hours of reading
4.0(18)Add rating
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.
Language Attrition
Monika S. Schmid
296 pages
11 hours of reading
3.8(10)Add rating
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.
Language Policy
Bernard Spolsky
264 pages
10 hours of reading
3.7(32)Add rating
Focusing on contemporary language policy debates, the book examines critical topics such as language correctness, bilingualism, and the preservation of endangered languages. It addresses language choice as a fundamental human right and delves into language education policy. Spolsky presents a theory of modern national language policy, highlighting the significant forces shaping it and exploring essential questions regarding the recognition and management of language policies.
Language Maintenance and Shift
Anne Pauwels
220 pages
8 hours of reading
A comprehensive discussion of the key aspects of this important sub-field of language contact and multilingualism studies.
Language and Identity
John Robert Edwards
324 pages
12 hours of reading
3.7(30)Add rating
Exploring the connection between identity and language, this book delves into how group memberships shape the varieties of language that individuals use. It examines the significance of different dialects and linguistic styles in expressing cultural affiliation and personal identity, highlighting the interplay between language and social belonging.