Sociolinguistics
Sociolinguistics is concerned with language as a ‘social and cultural phenomenon’ (Trudgill, 1974). Linguists of this area are interested in what Trudgill terms as the ‘clue-bearing’ (1974) aspects of language; how we may form ideas about an individual based on particular features of their accent or dialect, for instance. º£½ÇÊÓƵing the link between society and language can help us understand more about ourselves, our identities and the communities we are a part of.
Below is a lecture delivered by Martin Hilpert, Assistant Professor of English at University of Neuchâtel, in which he discusses in greater depth some of the questions and topics Sociolinguistics covers:
References
[1] Trudgill, P. (1974) Sociolinguistics: an Introduction to Language and Society London: Penguin.
[2]