Concise Encyclopedia of Sociolinguistics

"Mesthrie's outline is well thought out, and he is a sound scholar. ... a volume that meets high scholarly standards, and will be of great usefulness to readers seeking a reference book in sociolinguistics." --Bill Bright, ex editor, Language in Society"From 'accent' to 'vernacular', the Concise Encyclopedia of Sociolinguistics covers key areas of concern in this fascinating and growing field. Mesthrie has assembled a team of leading experts to author entries organized around the main themes of the discipline: Variation and Change, Culture, Power and Ideology, Language Contact, Social Interaction, Research Methods, and Applications of Sociolinguistics. A guide to institutions and resources, including a critical survey of journals and profiles of some of the sociolinguists who have shaped the discipline, rounds out the volume. Beginners and experts alike will find it an indispensable foundation." --Suzanne Romaine, University of Oxford"Here is the broad and comprehensive view of sociolinguistics that will satisfy the most curious and inquiring mind. The technical topics are covered with solid competence, while the general issues are reviewed with a rewarding thoughtfulness. The editor is to be congratulated!" --William Labov, University of Pennsylvania"My first reaction upon skimming the text was "WOW!," a reaction that has not diminished with further acquaintance¿.. The "Concise Encyclopedia of Sociolinguistics" is an impressive volume and its Editor, Rajend Mesthrie, has provided both the general reader of linguistics and the serious researcher a well written, well researched overview of this subfield of linguistics. " --Patricia Donaher, Missouri Western State College"The papers by Fretheim, Rozina and Vasko are to be commended for their excellent readability and clear exposition.l" --Lisa DeWaard Dykstra, University of Iowa"I was most appreciative of the straight forward language and clear approach employed by of most of the authors. I was impressed by the depth of the articles, even the shorter ones. Each entry provides the researcher with virtually all the necessary background information on the topic and appropriate references for further information. Many of the longer entries include a thorough summary of the current research on the topic as well, and some entries provide helpful sections on where future research could or should go." --Patricia Donaher, Missouri Western State College

• Section headings: Foundations of society and language. Language and interaction. Language Variation: style, situation, function. Language variation and change: dialects and social groups. Language contact. Language, power and inequality. Language planning, policy, practice. Language and education. Methods in sociolinguistics. The profession.