Language and Society [Paperback]

This book is a clear and reliable introduction to the field of sociolinguistics.This textbook is an accessible introduction to the social aspects of language and their various explanations. covering domains of language use, language change, code-switching, speech as social action, and the nature of understanding.This thoroughly revised edition includes an up to date analysis of language standardisation, language conflict and planning. From the reviews of the first edition:'Downes's Language and Society is the clearest and most reliable introduction to the field of sociolinguistics available today' (William Labov)This textbook is an accessible introduction to the social aspects of language and their various explanations. covering domains of language use, language change, code-switching, speech as social action, and the nature of understanding.This thoroughly revised edition includes an up to date analysis of language standardisation, language conflict and planning. From the reviews of the first edition:'Downes's Language and Society is the clearest and most reliable introduction to the field of sociolinguistics available today' (William Labov)This thoroughly revised and updated edition of Downes' textbook is an accessible introduction to the social aspects of language and their various explanations. Topics covered include domains of language use, language change, code-switching, speech as social action, and the nature of meaning and understanding. This new edition includes an up-to-date analysis of language standardization, language conflict and planning.Acknowledgements; 1. Linguistics and sociolinguistics; 2. A tapestry in space and time; 3. Language varieties: processes and problems; 4. Discovering the structure in variation; 5. Rhoticity; 6. At the intersection of social factors; 7. Change, meaning and acts of identity; 8. The discourse of social life; 9. Communication: words and world; 10. Action and critique; 11. Language and social explanation; Further readinl4