An Introduction to Sociolinguistics

An Introduction to Sociolinguistics, 6th Edition, by Janet Holmes and Nick Wilson, is an introductory textbook examining the relationship between language and society. The volume explores how language functions across diverse social settings and how speakers use linguistic choices to signal and interpret social identity.

Organized into three parts, the book explains core sociolinguistic concepts alongside classic approaches and newer research. Coverage surveys linguistic choices within multilingual speech communities, regional and social variation, and the intersections among language, culture, and social interaction.

Intended for students of sociolinguistics, linguistics, applied linguistics, and English language studies, this edition features dedicated methodology sections in each chapter to help students conduct sociolinguistic research.