Sociolinguistics

Author: R. A. Hudson (UK)
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2000-10-01
Features: This new edition of R. A. Hudson's widely acclaimed textbook Sociolinguistics will be welcomed by students and teachers alike. To reflect changes in the fields since the publication of the first edition in 1980, the author has added new sections on politeness, accommodation, and prototypes; and he has expanded discussion of sex differences in language use and the relationship between language and thought. Over a third of the second edition is completely new, and there is one entirely new chapter, but ample coverage of classic topics such as varieties of language, speech as social interaction, the quantitative study of speech, and linguistic and social inequality remains. Like the first, the second edition of Sociolinguistics is an exceptionally clear and helpful overview of the relationship of language and society.
The book covers fundamental topics in sociolinguistics, which are essential knowledge for students of linguistics or those interested in sociolinguistics. What sets it apart from other books in the field is its more general, theoretical, and thought-provoking approach. The author consistently connects sociolinguistic perspectives, views, and research findings with the tradition of theoretical linguistics, offering critiques or expressing new insights. From this perspective, it is not only a must-read textbook for students of linguistics but also an indispensable reference for researchers in the field.
The second feature of the book is that the author clearly and thoroughly explains the relationship between sociolinguistics and other related disciplines in the introductory chapter. Sociolinguistics is an interdisciplinary field involving linguistics, sociology, social psychology, anthropology, communication studies, and other humanities. Without understanding these relationships, beginners may find it difficult to grasp the subject and may not know where to start or what necessary knowledge and skills are required to conduct research in this field. The book not only reflects the basic views of sociolinguistics but also includes some new research findings and perspectives in the field. The author states in the preface to the second edition that one-third of the content is new. Some changes in the book were made for various reasons. First, the author's own views have evolved, and the explanations for these changes can be found in the chapter "Theoretical Summary." Second, the author believes that sociolinguistics has undergone new developments and changes from the early 1980s to the mid-1990s.
The fourth feature is that the book is infused with a critical spirit throughout. The author is a theoretical linguist with expertise in the theory and methodology of linguistic structure, but he is far from conservative in his views on sociolinguistics, rejecting "heresies." Instead, he boldly criticizes some traditional linguistic views and believes that there are indeed areas in the field of theoretical linguistics worth criticizing.
The fifth feature is that inspired by sociolinguistics, the author identifies some shortcomings in theoretical linguistic research and attempts to connect sociolinguistic knowledge with the theory of linguistic structure, establishing a new theoretical framework.