Understanding Sociolinguistics provides you with a step-by-step introduction to the analytical framework and methodology of this core element of Linguistics courses. Understanding Sociolinguistics gives you a comprehensive overview of the key linguistic traditions of the past and shows you how sociolinguistics, as pioneered by Labov in the 1960s, diverged from these. It clearly explains recent sociolinguistic developments and their impact on other linguistic domains, such as the study of language change and dialect contact. Sociolinguistic methodologies are illustrated throughout using examples from studies worldwide and citing the major works in this field. In addition, factors of linguistic variability, such as class, style and age, are examined in detail and there is a chapter focusing on gender in which the findings and interpretations of gender differentiation in language are presented. The contribution of sociolinguistics to language change is examined with reference to socio-historical linguistics via the works of major scholars. Dialect geography and the formation of new dialects are also covered, taking examples from languages around the world. Each chapter includes revision exercises and further reading lists so you can test your understanding and aid your own research.