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Penguin Language & Linguistics
Sociolinguistics: An Introduction to Language and Society
This is a classic book on a fascinating subject. Peter Trudgill examines the close link between language and society and the many factors that influence the way we speak. These range from gender, environment, age, race, class, region and politics. Trudgill's book surveys languages and societies from all over the world drawing on examples from Afrikaans to Yiddish. He has added a fascinating chapter on the development of a language as a result of a non-native speaker's use of it. Compelling and authoritative, this new edition of a bestselling book is set to redraw the boundaries of the study of sociolinguistics.
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1974
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
January 10, 2018
این اثر از معدود منابعی است که دربارۀ «زبان‌شناسی اجتماعی»، یکی از زیرشاخه‌های رشتۀ زبان‌شناسی، به‌فارسی ترجمه شده است. نویسندۀ آن، پیتر ترادگیل، کتاب را به‌زبانی نه‌چندان تخصصی و برای آشناکردن غیرمتخصصان با این حوزه نوشته است. بااین‌حال، شاید پاره‌ای از مطلب‌هایی که در آن آمده، برای فارسی‌زبانِ ناآشنا به این موضوع‌ها چندان آسان‌یاب نباشد. علت این امر، سوای محتوای کتاب، به‌ویژه دو چیز است. یکی از این علت‌ها این است که زبانِ ترجمه بی‌اینکه غلط باشد، چندان روان و زودفهم نیست و در جاهایی مستلزم دقت و باریک‌شدن است. مترجم در برابریابی‌های واژگانی بسیار خوش درخشیده و قدرتمند عمل کرده؛ اما در ترجمۀ جمله‌ها بعضاً بی‌اندازه پیرو ساختار انگلیسی بوده و ازاین‌حیث، ترجمه‌اش در جاهایی دشوارخوان شده است. ازطرف دیگر، تمام شواهد و مثال‌هایی که در تأیید موضوع‌های مختلف به میان آمده، از زبانی است غیر از فارسی و این فهم مطلب را برای مخاطب فارسی‌زبان سخت می‌کند. باوجوداین، ازآنجاکه بخش چشمگیری از نمونه‌ها از زبان انگلیسی است، مخاطبی که تااندازه‌ای با این زبان آشنا باشد، در درک محتوای کتاب کمابیش کامیاب خواهد شد.
درهرحال، ترادگیل مبحث‌های گوناگون حوزۀ زبان‌شناسی اجتماعی را در چند فصل و زیر چند عنوان پی گرفته و واکاویده است:
ـ فصل اول: زبان‌شناسی اجتماعی، زبان و جامعه؛
ـ فصل دوم: زبان و طبقۀ اجتماعی؛
ـ فصل سوم: زبان و گروه نژادی؛
ـ فصل چهارم: زبان و جنسیت؛
ـ فصل پنجم: زبان و بافت اجتماعی؛
ـ فصل ششم: زبان و کنش متقابل اجتماعی؛
ـ فصل هفتم: زبان و ملت؛
ـ فصل هشتم: زبان و جغرافیا.
درهرحال، ترادگیل مبحث‌های گوناگون حوزۀ زبان‌شناسی اجتماعی را در چند فصل و زیر چند عنوان پی گرفته و واکاویده است:
ـ فصل اول: زبان‌شناسی اجتماعی، زبان و جامعه؛
ـ فصل دوم: زبان و طبقۀ اجتماعی؛
ـ فصل سوم: زبان و گروه نژادی؛
ـ فصل چهارم: زبان و جنسیت؛
ـ فصل پنجم: زبان و بافت اجتماعی؛
ـ فصل ششم: زبان و کنش متقابل اجتماعی؛
ـ فصل هفتم: زبان و ملت؛
ـ فصل هشتم: زبان و جغرافیا.
October 12, 2019
Sociolinguistics is the academic study of the relationship between language and society. That's a vast topic to say the least! Peter Trudgill, though, manages to offer us here a straightforward introduction to it all.
First of all, he tackles, simply, monolingual societies. He explains the differences between a language and a dialect, then dedicates a few concise chapters to show how who we are (social status, ethnic origin, gender) impacts on our speech; this not without having some repercussions upon how we are each perceived as individuals (education, politics...). He then expands his approach to bilingual and multilingual societies, introducing here other key concepts (lingua franca, pidgin, creole, diglossia…) that he defines through multiple examples. He finally concludes by demonstrating that if one of the main goals of language is to create social connections, this goal can be undermined by cultural differences, with, at times, bad political consequences.
Here's a simple book, full of clear cut explanations all illustrated by many examples coming from the four corners of the world. Peter Trudgill does more than introducing a whole field of study, he also invites us to reflect upon the implication of language -its use and perception. A perfect introduction.
First of all, he tackles, simply, monolingual societies. He explains the differences between a language and a dialect, then dedicates a few concise chapters to show how who we are (social status, ethnic origin, gender) impacts on our speech; this not without having some repercussions upon how we are each perceived as individuals (education, politics...). He then expands his approach to bilingual and multilingual societies, introducing here other key concepts (lingua franca, pidgin, creole, diglossia…) that he defines through multiple examples. He finally concludes by demonstrating that if one of the main goals of language is to create social connections, this goal can be undermined by cultural differences, with, at times, bad political consequences.
Here's a simple book, full of clear cut explanations all illustrated by many examples coming from the four corners of the world. Peter Trudgill does more than introducing a whole field of study, he also invites us to reflect upon the implication of language -its use and perception. A perfect introduction.
February 3, 2018
Maybe the term ‘Sociolinguistics’ shares a quaint impression in our minds. What is this subject talking about and what are the important aspects for learning this particular subject? The ability to communicate in certain languages has proven to be one of many valuable skill that we continue to utilise everyday. Peter Trudgill realised that language itself can have enthralling effects towards society. How languages, dialects, even accents appear and disappear. How social classes might affect the trend upon using one specific accent. Is informal speaking unnecessary? And how can different genders speak different sets of language style? Trudgill explained these questions with utmost delicacy of analysis but with simple yet detailed illustrations of various language’s features throughout many countries in the world. Also, I have discovered (and tactfully concluded) the fact that the role of linguists and sociolinguists have become more and more relevant if we are faced by this rapid-growing society of mankind that has a tendency to eliminate more and more ancient and unpopular languages and dialects, thus rising the probability to gradually eradicate their source; the culture itself.
October 14, 2007
yes. these are the types of books i read for fun. a great intro to the subject!
November 30, 2023
A good introductory to sociolinguistics as someone who had no prior knowledge. Very accessible.
June 26, 2007
During a recent inventory of our shelves, I discovered a previous edition of this book. It was worth buying again.
I love non-fiction written for the interested non-expert who wants to learn more about a subject, but hasn't the background necessary to wade through a collegiate text. Trudgill's ability to write without condescending to or overshooting his audience's understanding is impressive.
Each chapter addresses a different aspect of language as relates to culture -- social class, for example, as well as gender, national identity, and ethnicity -- but as these are difficult topics to separate, the chapters reference each other with great frequency. Beyond providing examples of how language affects our perception of the world (and how our use of language affects how other perceive us), Trudgill provides a historical context to how linguistic research is conducted, and he touches on several questions that remain unresolved among linguists.
There's a great deal of information in this book, so it isn't a quick read. You may also wish to have a copy of the international phonetic alphabet at hand, if you haven't any formal background in linguistics. Otherwise, this layperson had no trouble following Trudgill's excellent examples of current thinking in this field.
I love non-fiction written for the interested non-expert who wants to learn more about a subject, but hasn't the background necessary to wade through a collegiate text. Trudgill's ability to write without condescending to or overshooting his audience's understanding is impressive.
Each chapter addresses a different aspect of language as relates to culture -- social class, for example, as well as gender, national identity, and ethnicity -- but as these are difficult topics to separate, the chapters reference each other with great frequency. Beyond providing examples of how language affects our perception of the world (and how our use of language affects how other perceive us), Trudgill provides a historical context to how linguistic research is conducted, and he touches on several questions that remain unresolved among linguists.
There's a great deal of information in this book, so it isn't a quick read. You may also wish to have a copy of the international phonetic alphabet at hand, if you haven't any formal background in linguistics. Otherwise, this layperson had no trouble following Trudgill's excellent examples of current thinking in this field.
June 25, 2020
A very interesting introductory text on the place of language in society. It starts you out from nothing and gradually builds you up to some of the more common linguistic vocabulary. It has a rather heavy focus on England-english dialects and social situations which makes it a difficult read at times if you aren't familiar with the dialects and norms in question. Aside from that it has a bit of a crusade for language and dialect diversity, and argues for it persuasively, although not necessarily without bias. Well worth a read, either way.
April 8, 2012
Read it for class. I know Trudgill is supposed to be top of the field, but but unless this is your thing, the writing is very dense and like listening to stuffed shirts pick apart the minutia of language.
February 21, 2020
From my humble point of view, this is a really good book, that covers a wide variety of areas about language and society, it deals with different aspects in sociolinguistics, it is recommended to everyone and especially to people who are interested in studying language and linguistics
October 29, 2016
Although a bit out-dated and simplistic at times, this is a READABLE and INTERESTING introduction to sociolinguistics.
March 17, 2020
Rich in clarity, interesting research and pedagogical explanations.
July 22, 2020
An interesting introduction to this field. I particularly liked the first few chapters about social differentiation through language.
February 20, 2020
Sociolinguistics, as shortly explained:
Two English people who have never met before coming face to face in a train – They start talking about the weather.
Most people have no interest in an analysis of such a “climatic condition”, therefore, the sole reason for conversations of such kind lays beneath today’s chance of rain in Leeds.
Language functions as a social tool to establish a relationship with other people.
“Sapir-Whorf hypothesis” describes that a speaker’s native language forms the way they perceive the world, and constrains the way they categorize and conceptualize different phenomenon. Society, on the other hand, also has an effect on language through:
1. Environment:
In Chinese, “herb” is 香菜. Its Vietnamese equivalent translation, “rau thơm”, in the geographic context of Vietnam could represent from 20 to 30 herbs with different names. The names of these herbs are rather scientific or so uncommon to a level that if you enter a restaurant and ask for 刺芹(culantro), people will look at you with concerned eyes. You have just asked for a product in an environment that simply does not traditionally cultivate it.
2. Social structure:
In Chinese, maternal grandmother 外婆 is always distinguished from paternal grandmother 奶奶. The word 外 outside also refect the patriarchal structure of the Chinese society, but let’s not dig too deep into that.
Because as the distinction between maternal and paternal is not important in English society, it is not reflected in the English lexicon.
3. Social value:
Social value is expressed through taboos. In the English speaking world, they are words connected with sex, excretion and the Christian religion. They are used in swears because they are powerful. Social belief affects what is regarded as taboo, and taboo affects linguistic uses as well. “Rooster” is used more in the English lexicon instead of “cock”, and “cat” are more favored in conversations than “pussy”.
For book recommendation: https://jeenisbooksworming.wordpress....
Two English people who have never met before coming face to face in a train – They start talking about the weather.
Most people have no interest in an analysis of such a “climatic condition”, therefore, the sole reason for conversations of such kind lays beneath today’s chance of rain in Leeds.
Language functions as a social tool to establish a relationship with other people.
“Sapir-Whorf hypothesis” describes that a speaker’s native language forms the way they perceive the world, and constrains the way they categorize and conceptualize different phenomenon. Society, on the other hand, also has an effect on language through:
1. Environment:
In Chinese, “herb” is 香菜. Its Vietnamese equivalent translation, “rau thơm”, in the geographic context of Vietnam could represent from 20 to 30 herbs with different names. The names of these herbs are rather scientific or so uncommon to a level that if you enter a restaurant and ask for 刺芹(culantro), people will look at you with concerned eyes. You have just asked for a product in an environment that simply does not traditionally cultivate it.
2. Social structure:
In Chinese, maternal grandmother 外婆 is always distinguished from paternal grandmother 奶奶. The word 外 outside also refect the patriarchal structure of the Chinese society, but let’s not dig too deep into that.
Because as the distinction between maternal and paternal is not important in English society, it is not reflected in the English lexicon.
3. Social value:
Social value is expressed through taboos. In the English speaking world, they are words connected with sex, excretion and the Christian religion. They are used in swears because they are powerful. Social belief affects what is regarded as taboo, and taboo affects linguistic uses as well. “Rooster” is used more in the English lexicon instead of “cock”, and “cat” are more favored in conversations than “pussy”.
For book recommendation: https://jeenisbooksworming.wordpress....
February 23, 2020
Meh. None of this felt particularly revolutionary (I am aware it is meant to be an introduction, but all of his theories were essentially common sense).
The earlier chapters are boring and period-typically offensive, but the chapters on geographical location make slightly more interesting comparisons and acknowledge colonial history and it’s influence, which is why this is 3 stars and not 1 or 2.
I wish the IPA wasn’t relied on so heavily, as in most studies of linguistics, sociolinguistics is covered before the IPA, which meant it took me a little while to understand the points he was making about pronunciations.
It was okay, I guess. It could have been a bit more structured, because it often felt a little ramble-y. He just sort of slid into different topics, so you really can’t skim read this or you lose any sense of how he’s got to where he is.
The earlier chapters are boring and period-typically offensive, but the chapters on geographical location make slightly more interesting comparisons and acknowledge colonial history and it’s influence, which is why this is 3 stars and not 1 or 2.
I wish the IPA wasn’t relied on so heavily, as in most studies of linguistics, sociolinguistics is covered before the IPA, which meant it took me a little while to understand the points he was making about pronunciations.
It was okay, I guess. It could have been a bit more structured, because it often felt a little ramble-y. He just sort of slid into different topics, so you really can’t skim read this or you lose any sense of how he’s got to where he is.
August 29, 2025
I found this very interesting and accessible. At times things felt over-explained in terms of sociolingusitic issues of class and at times there was overload of examples and ironically I wish some linguistic terminology was more clearly defined. HOWEVER this gave me a lot of clarity not only in how language is relevant to English but also how world languages interact with identity and societal position from a linguistic perspective. This gave me, in fact, certain points to hold in mind for literary analysis. Overall, this was a bit of slow read given contrast between its length and time taken to complete but I feel like I came away from this book having been changed by its contents intellectually.
August 20, 2019
I only made it to the 4th chapter with the hopes of finding some insights to the topic. Yet they were nowhere to be found. Purely academic, only presenting facts and figures. No brain-storming or contemplating whatsoever on the matters in hand. If you are looking for barebone data, go for it. Otherwise, refrain.
As a side note: There was no art to the way it was written. It was too simplistic as one usually expects from an academic piece of writing - and here I have to absolve the academicians who have got style to their writings, but they are rare gems to be found.
Thank you and have a nice day.
As a side note: There was no art to the way it was written. It was too simplistic as one usually expects from an academic piece of writing - and here I have to absolve the academicians who have got style to their writings, but they are rare gems to be found.
Thank you and have a nice day.
January 10, 2021
Needs some updating, it seems. There should be more English examples. Talks about English being the lingua franca, but not most exampleas seem to have been drawn from English.
Aside from that, the latter two chapters were quite cool. I should habe skipped other chapters sooner than later.
Overall, it seems a bit overrated. 3 stars is a generous amount of stellar objects for this tome.
Aside from that, the latter two chapters were quite cool. I should habe skipped other chapters sooner than later.
Overall, it seems a bit overrated. 3 stars is a generous amount of stellar objects for this tome.
June 8, 2022
Good introduction to sociolinguistics! Present terms in a clear manner and give great examples of each. Some of the examples they present may not be memorable but it does help frame the terminology in way to make it understandable
November 25, 2017
Solid, really enjoyed some of the chapters such as language and social class, but found others dry and bits repetitive.
June 3, 2018
3 - 3.5 stars?
August 19, 2018
Was insightful
February 23, 2021
An excellent book.
January 29, 2023
I love this! It's a great introduction to various different fields & topics pertaining to sociolinguistics. It's incredibly informative without being a slog.
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August 30, 2025Read Before
August 11, 2018
Loved it!
Here are some of the reasons why:
1. "On the other hand, in cases where governments unfortunately regard linguistics minorities as potentially subversive, they may react very differently and foolishly fail to perceive that minority language communities which are recognized as such and well treated, for example in education, are less likely to become disaffected."
2."The effects of the attempted imposition of an alien national language such as English or Turkish may be very serious. The attempted replacement of one language by another entails an effort to obliterate whole cultures; it may be indicative of illogical ethnic attitudes [the Welsh are inferior to the English, the Kurds do not exist]; and it can seriously impair the educational progress of children who have to learn a new language before they can understand what the teacher is saying, let alone read and write."
3. When facing statements that other languages, dialects, pidgins or creoles are inferior to English: "...there is no such thing as a pure language. All languages are subject to change, and they are all the product of influence and admixture from other languages." (page 169)
Here are some of the reasons why:
1. "On the other hand, in cases where governments unfortunately regard linguistics minorities as potentially subversive, they may react very differently and foolishly fail to perceive that minority language communities which are recognized as such and well treated, for example in education, are less likely to become disaffected."
2."The effects of the attempted imposition of an alien national language such as English or Turkish may be very serious. The attempted replacement of one language by another entails an effort to obliterate whole cultures; it may be indicative of illogical ethnic attitudes [the Welsh are inferior to the English, the Kurds do not exist]; and it can seriously impair the educational progress of children who have to learn a new language before they can understand what the teacher is saying, let alone read and write."
3. When facing statements that other languages, dialects, pidgins or creoles are inferior to English: "...there is no such thing as a pure language. All languages are subject to change, and they are all the product of influence and admixture from other languages." (page 169)
November 28, 2007
an excellent read!!! very interesting and highly informative book about sociolinguistics - not as complicated and/or boring as it may sound to an uninformed ear - everyone can understand this book, and enjoy it. The author gives a number of examples by which he illustrates and explains the main points and definitions.
May 14, 2014
Although the subject may fascinate you (as it did me), this isn't the easiest book to read. However, it is a very comprehensive overview of the societal influences on language and vice versa, and the author is celebrated in his field, so I do recommend picking it up if you're the least bit interested in linguistics and/or sociology.
June 8, 2007
Excellent introduction to the topic. I didn't learn a lot new, because it is an introductory text and therefore less in-depth than I thought it would be when I picked it up -- but if you're looking for an intro to sociolinguistics, this is a good one.
May 22, 2015
A mind opener to the relation between language and society which is written in an easy and informative way. Some facts about language and society, backed up by scientific experiments, are concisely presented by the author that made this book a truly enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews