This textbook is the only one of its kind to introduce the study of Canadian English in the context of basic concepts of linguistics and sociolinguistics. The book provides foundational information on linguistic principles and on the different branches of sociolinguistics, ranging from the large-scale ‘macro’ study of language usage (the sociology of language, dialect surveys) to the ‘micro’ study of language use (sociophonetics, sociolinguistic variation and change). Each chapter highlights the different ways of collecting and analyzing data, including census data and historical texts, surveys and questionnaires, publically available corpora, and interviews. Mini-projects at the end of each chapter offer hands-on experience with the methods presented in the chapter. In addition to discussing the classic works in the study of Canadian English, this book engages with such contemporary issues as new-dialect formation, language and social identity, and ongoing language change, making it key reading for students taking courses in the areas of Canadian English, varieties of English, language variation, and sociolinguistics.
Section I: Some Basics. Section II: What is Canadian English? Section III: Canadian English with an Attitude. Section IV: Canadian English, Coast to Coast to Coast. Section V: Variation and Change in Canadian English.
Biography
James Walker is Associate Professor in the Department of Languages, Literatures and Linguistics at York University.
"It is a good choice as an undergraduate textbook in a course on sociolinguistics taught in Canada, or a coure on Canadian English anywhere. Its wide scope makes it unique, providing valuable information for a large range of readers." -- Brigitte K. Halford, Univeristy of Freiburg
"Overall, the book is an interesting, comprehenseive, and highly relevant introduction to the study of Canadian English. It offers many clear examples, descriptions, and explanations of regional and linguistic differnces. Of particular interest to those in the field of applied linguistics are the sociolinguistic framework and the empirical methodology for conducting research and quantifying the range of social influences that make their mark on Canadian English." -- Andrew Reimann, Utsunomiya University
