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Sociolinguistics : the study of speakers' choices / Florian Coulmas.

By: Language: English Publisher: New York : Cambridge University Press, 2005Description: xiii, 263 s. 25 cmISBN:
  • 0521836069
  • 9780521836067
  • 0521543932
  • 9780521543934
Subject(s): DDC classification:
  • 306.44 22
LOC classification:
  • P40
Other classification:
  • F:oa
Holdings
Item type Current library Shelving location Call number Status Date due Barcode Item holds
Book Biblioteket HKR Biblioteket 306.44 Coulmas Available 11156000156146
Total holds: 0

Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

This accessible new textbook provides a clear introduction to sociolinguistics, the study of why we speak the way we do, and the social factors that influence our linguistic decisions. Based on the notion of 'choice' - that as speakers we select from the options open to us - it provides a solid theoretical framework to deal with the most fascinating characteristic of language: its variability and diversity. Topics covered include dialects, gender and age specific speech forms, professional jargons, diglossia, bilingualism, code-switching, pidgin languages, and language planning, all of which are unified by the common theme that speakers, by making choices, create their language. Drawing on linguistic variation from a wide range of societies and their languages, this is set to become a key text for all students of sociolinguistics, and will be welcomed by anyone interested in the complex interaction between language and society.

4. pr. 2008

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

  • 1 Introduction: notions of language
  • Part I Micro Choices
  • 2 Standard and dialect: social stratification as a factor of linguistic choice
  • 3 Gendered speech: sex as a factor of linguistic choice
  • 4 Communicating across generations: age as a factor of linguistic choice
  • 5 Choice and change
  • 6 Politeness: cultural dimensions of linguistic choice
  • Part II Macro Choices
  • 7 Code-switching: linguistic choices across boundaries
  • 8 Diglossia and bilingualism: functional restrictions on language choice
  • 9 Language spread, shift and maintenance: how groups choose their language
  • 10 Language and identity: individual, social, national
  • 11 Language planning: communication demands, public choice, utility
  • 12 Select letters: a major divide
  • 13 The language of choice