sociolinguistics

sociolinguistics, the study of the social dimensions of language use. Human language, across all of its many modalities, exhibits tremendous diversity, creativity, and innovation. As language users, people learn not only the structure of a given language but also the social and cultural norms and expectations regarding language use, including what and how to communicate within their social groups, communities, cultures, and societies.

From a sociolinguistic perspective, language, culture, and society influence each other in ways that are inseparable and manifold. Therefore, sociolinguists examine how humans use language—in its many forms, with different styles and patterns, consciously and unconsciously, across social contexts, and in various domains. Sociolinguists also examine how social, geographic, cultural, and personal factors influence how people around the world use language—individually and collectively. Analyzing language variation and change, past to present, lends insight into the ways in which people communicate, interact with each other within their communities and societies, and interpret the world around them.