Chinese Sociolinguistics: Language and Identity in Greater China

Chinese Sociolinguistics explores how language shapes social, cultural, and ethnic identities in Greater China, including topics such as culture, socioeconomic class, dialects, regional language variation, state policies, linguistic borrowings, bilingualism, bicultural identity, and language shift and attrition. It is a valuable resource for students and scholars interested in Chinese sociolinguistics, language, identity, and society in Greater China.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 152 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Chinese Sociolinguistics delves into the intricate interplay between language and society, exploring how it contributes to shaping social, cultural, and ethnic identities within Greater China. As the first comprehensive textbook dedicated to the examination of language, society, and identity in mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and overseas Chinese communities (referred to as Greater China), this book offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of these critical topics.

Within its pages, readers will find a wealth of information covering a diverse range of subjects. The book delves into the role of language in Chinese culture, examining how it shapes cultural norms, values, and beliefs. It also explores the linguistic indexing of socioeconomic class, shedding light on the ways in which language can serve as a marker of social status and privilege. Dialects and regional language variation are explored, highlighting the unique linguistic characteristics of different regions and their impact on communication and identity formation. The book also examines the impacts of state policies on language use and development, discussing how government initiatives and regulations can shape language change and preservation. Linguistic borrowings, bilingualism, and bicultural identity are explored, examining how language can facilitate cross-cultural communication and the development of hybrid identities. Language shift and attrition are also discussed, exploring the factors that contribute to language loss and the challenges faced by communities attempting to preserve their heritage languages.

In addition to its theoretical insights, Chinese Sociolinguistics also provides a glimpse into the emerging trends and developments in the field. The book explores how modern technologies, such as social media and digital communication, are shaping new forms of language use and communication patterns. It also considers the potential future developments in sociolinguistics, such as the increasing importance of multilingualism and the impact of globalization on language diversity and change.

Designed for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing courses in Chinese sociolinguistics, particularly those with a focus on language, identity, and society in Greater China, this book is also of interest to members of the Chinese Language Teachers Association and the American Council of Teaching Foreign Languages (ACTFL). With its comprehensive coverage, engaging writing style, and interdisciplinary approach, Chinese Sociolinguistics offers a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and practitioners interested in the complex relationship between language and society in China and beyond.

Weight: 272g
Dimension: 155 x 235 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032382425