Globalising Sociolinguistics: Challenging and Expanding Theory

This book challenges the predominance of mainstream sociolinguistic theories by focusing on lesser-known sociolinguistic systems, from regions of Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, South America, the European Mediterranean and Slavic regions as well as specific speech communities such as those speaking Nivkh, Jamaican Creole, North Saami and Central Yupik.

In 19 chapters, the specialist authors look at key sociolinguistic aspects of each region or speech community, such as gender, politeness strategies, speech patterns and the effects of social hierarchy on language, concentrating on the differences from mainstream models. The volume, introduced by leading sociolinguist Miriam Meyerhoff, draws together connections across regions/communities and considers how mainstream sociolinguistics is incomplete or lacking. It reveals how lesser-known cultures can play an important role in the building of theory in sociolinguistics.

Globalising Sociolinguistics: Challenging and Expanding Theory is essential reading for any researcher in sociolinguistics and language variation, and will be a key reference for advanced sociolinguistics courses.