Grammar: Social Variation

This series introduces intermediate to advanced students to the main grammatical features of a range of languages in a way that emphasizes the social underpinnings of the language. Unlike traditional grammars, this unique approach to the study of grammar guides students in an examination of how grammar varies depending on place, social group, and situation. Students examine why some varieties of a language are considered prestigious while others are not, drawing on current and historical sociopolitical contexts, all while learning grammatical terminology and how to identify categories and constructions in target language.

Key features:

• A unique focus on grammar from the perspective of variation, which ensures the material covered is clearly linked to how grammar is actually used by speakers throughout the world

• Guides students in an examination of how grammar varies depending on place, social group, and situation allowing them to examine why some varieties of the language are considered prestigious while others are not, all while learning grammatical terminology and how to identify categories and constructions in the target language.

• Teaches grammar in a way that emphasizes the social underpinnings of language which shape language attitudes and prejudices towards particular ways of speaking. It highlights the sociopolitical factors that explain why some forms are deemed prestigious and others are stigmatized.