Historical Sociolinguistics

Historical Sociolinguistics is the study of the relationship between language and society in its historical dimension. This is the first textbook to introduce this vibrant field, based on examples and case studies taken from a variety of languages. Chapters begin with clear explanations of core concepts, which are then applied to historical contexts from different languages, such as English, French, Hindi and Mandarin. The volume uses several pedagogical methods, allowing readers to gain a deeper understanding of the theory and of examples. A list of key terms is provided, covering the main theoretical and methodological issues discussed. The book also includes a range of exercises and short further reading sections for students. It is ideal for students of sociolinguistics and historical linguistics, as well as providing a basic introduction to historical sociolinguistics for anyone with an interest in linguistics or social history.

List of contents

1. What is historical sociolinguistics?; 2. Language variation and change; 3. Dialect contact; 4. Standardisation; 5. Networks, communities and individuals; 6. Genre, speech and writing; 7. Language history from below; 8. Attitudes, ideologies and language myths; 9. Multilingualism and language contact; 10. Language planning.

About the author

Gijsbert Rutten is Professor of Dutch Linguistics at Leiden University. His research topics include standardization, language policy, language contact and multilingualism.Rik Vosters is Professor of Dutch Linguistics and Historical Sociolinguistics at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB). His research interests include historical sociolinguistics, language variation and change, and language policy and language planning.

Product details

• Authors: Gijsbert (Universiteit Leiden Rutten, Rutten Gijsbert, Vosters Rik
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press ELT
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Release: 31.12.2025
• EAN: 9781108714037
• ISBN: 978-1-108-71403-7
• No. of pages: 300
• Series: Key Topics in Sociolinguistics
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Linguistics and literary studies > General and comparative linguistics; LANGUAGE ARTS & DISCIPLINES / Linguistics / Sociolinguistics, Sociolinguistics, Language: history & general works, Language: history and general works, Historical and comparative linguistics, For higher / tertiary / university education, Textbook, coursework