An Introduction to Sociolinguistics: Society and Identity

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This is a definitive introductory text to modern sociolinguistics that looks at the study of language and society through the concept of identity. It uses these sociolinguistic constructs of identity to tie together current concepts and methods in the field, offering a full overview of the discipline, both past and present. Deckert and Vickers adopt an interdisciplinary approach, introducing work from a variety of fields that examine sociolinguistic data, from linguistics to anthropology, sociology, psychology and education. The book moves from looking at language varieties and globalization to a close examination of language in social interaction, covering the concepts of ideology and power. Throughout, the authors offer keen insight into all of the topics, issues and methods that students of language and society will need to understand. The chapters contain a range of pedagogical features, including key terms, study questions, chapter summaries and further reading. This is an essential new text for all those studying contemporary sociolinguistics, suitable for undergraduates and postgraduates alike.

Reviews

This is an engaging and compelling introduction to the field of sociolinguistics. It is a compact, comprehensive explication of the state of sociolinguistics today that crystallizes the topics of greatest interest to the field. This is a terrific book because it not only introduces students to the central topics currently on the minds of sociolinguists but demonstrates how quality sociolinguistic work is accomplished by highlighting timely and influential empirical studies. Taken as a whole, the authors construct a literature review that reflects the pulse of today's sociolinguistics. The final chapter is especially valuable because it apprentices studentsin a welcoming and demystifying way--into qualitative methods of sociolinguistic inquiry. Because it captures the poststructuralist, social constructivist, qualitative turn to sociolinguistics today, this textbook stands to have a notable impact on current and future sociolinguistic scholarship. -- Bryan Meadows, Assistant Professor, Department of English, University of Texas Pan-American, USA
Deckert and Vickers offer an excellent overview on the interrelationship between language and social identity. The discussion draws on research from a range of fields and is accompanied by compelling illustrations and practical activities, making the text eminently suitable for introductory courses on the topic. -- Joan Kelly Hall, Department of Applied Linguistics, Penn State University, USA
Recommended in the Times Higher Education textbook guide: "Intended to serve as a definitive introductory work on modern sociolinguistics for both undergraduates and postgraduates, this text looks at the study of language and society through the concept of identity. Adopting an interdisciplinary approach, the authors introduce work from a variety of fields that examine sociolinguistic data, including linguistics, anthropology, sociology, psychology and education." * Times Higher Education *

Author Bio

Sharon K. Deckert is Assistant Professor of Applied Linguistics at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, USA Caroline H. Vickers is Associate Professor of Applied Linguistics/TESL at California State University San Bernardino, USA