The Handbook of Sociolinguistics

In 28 newly-commissioned chapters, distinguished contributors provide an up-to-date overview of sociolinguistics. This invaluable work of reference, now available in paperback, identifies the most important issues of sociolinguistics, makes primary sources more accessible, and provides orientation for future research. Reflecting the main division within the discipline, the two key sections deal with the social dimensions of language and the linguistic dimensions of society. In addition, there is an introductory section taking issue with the theoretical and methodological foundations of sociolinguistic knowledge which have proved to be especially fruitful in recent years: education, bilingual education, the legal profession and language planning. The Handbook is equipped with a comprehensive bibliography which can be used as a research tool in its own right.

Florian Coulmas is Professor of Sociolinguistics at Chuo University, Tokyo. He was previously Professor of General Linguistics at Dusseldorf University and Research Fellow of the National Language Institute, Tokyo. He has been visiting Professor at Georgetown University and Fellow of the Institute of Advanced Study, Berlin. His principle fields of interest are the study of writing and sociolinguistics.