Dictionary of Sociolinguistics

The first comprehensive dictionary of the field of sociolinguistics, this is a valuable reference book for students and teachers of sociolinguistics, others concerned with the socially-oriented study of language and those with a professional interest in language. Entries are concise, the style is reader-friendly and numerous cross-references enable readers to follow up links to related terms and concepts. Sociolinguistics is characterised by increasing heterogeneity, and students are faced with a proliferation of theories, concepts and terminology. This is sometimes a minefield, with similar terms used rather differently within different academic traditions. The dictionary provides a broad coverage of sociolinguistics, including macro- and micro-sociolinguistics and a range of approaches within variationist, interactional, critical and applied traditions. In explaining sociolinguistic terminology, the dictionary is able to map out the traditions and approaches that comprise sociolinguistics and will thus help readers find their way around this fascinating but complex subject. The authors have taught and researched widely across different areas of sociolinguistics.They also draw on their experience of working in different geographical areas, including the USA, UK and Europe, Australia, southern Africa and the Indian subcontinent.Features: *Covers topics relevant to a broad range of disciplines, including anthropology, psychology, sociology and education as well as linguistics *Organised alphabetically with terms explained in a non-technical way *Includes an extensive bibliography.

The introduction is well-written; it sums up important morphological issues and shows interfaces between morphology and the other subfields of linguistics. The bibliography can help beginners choose Strongly recommended as a reference for SLA researchers and students. -- Studies in Second langauge Acquisisition A Dictionary of Socioloinguistics is a welcome addition to the field of sociolinguistics. As sociolinguistics has grown as a field in coverage and stature since its inception in the 1960s, those working and studying in it will appreciate this concise volume of its most salient terms. Engrossing, enlightening, fascinating, instructive - and impeccably scholarly while reader-friendly throughout, this is an exceptionally valuable contribution to the literature of sociolinguistics that amply merits inclusion in all academic, reference, and school libraries. Anyone with an interest in languages and linguistics will find in this competent and thoughtful dictoinary an accessible point de depart in exploring a complex discipline. Hats off! 'A Dictionary of Socioloinguistics is a welcome addition to the field of sociolinguistics. As sociolinguistics has grown as a field in coverage and stature since its inception in the 1960s, those working and studying in it will appreciate this concise volume of its most salient terms.' - Language and Education, vol 19, 2005 The introduction is well-written; it sums up important morphological issues and shows interfaces between morphology and the other subfields of linguistics. The bibliography can help beginners choose Strongly recommended as a reference for SLA researchers and students. A Dictionary of Socioloinguistics is a welcome addition to the field of sociolinguistics. As sociolinguistics has grown as a field in coverage and stature since its inception in the 1960s, those working and studying in it will appreciate this concise volume of its most salient terms. Engrossing, enlightening, fascinating, instructive - and impeccably scholarly while reader-friendly throughout, this is an exceptionally valuable contribution to the literature of sociolinguistics that amply merits inclusion in all academic, reference, and school libraries. Anyone with an interest in languages and linguistics will find in this competent and thoughtful dictoinary an accessible point de depart in exploring a complex discipline. Hats off! 'A Dictionary of Socioloinguistics is a welcome addition to the field of sociolinguistics. As sociolinguistics has grown as a field in coverage and stature since its inception in the 1960s, those working and studying in it will appreciate this concise volume of its most salient terms.' - Language and Education, vol 19, 2005

Joan Swann is a Senior Lecturer in the Centre for Language and Communication in the School of Education at the Open University, UK. Ana Deumert is Associate Professor in the Linguistics Section, Department of English, University of Cape Town. Theresa Lillis is a member of the Centre for Language and Communications at the Open University, UK. Rajend Mesthrie is Professor of Linguistics in the English Department at the University of Cape Town.