Language Variation and Language Change Across the Lifespan: Theoretical and Empirical Perspectives from Panel Studies

This volume examines the impact of maturation and lifespan-specific effects on linguistic malleability in the post-adolescent speaker, drawing on research from various linguistic disciplines. It provides a critical examination of panel research across different geographic regions and time periods and seeks to offer a way forward in the debates surrounding later-life language change.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 286 pages
Publication date: 09 January 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive volume brings together cutting-edge research on panel studies, with the ultimate goal of establishing a robust empirical and theoretical foundation for exploring the influence of maturation and lifespan-specific effects on linguistic malleability in the post-adolescent speaker. Building upon the pioneering work of Wagner and Buchstaller (2018), this collection critically examines the theoretical implications of panel research across diverse geographic regions and historical periods. Its primary objective is to provide a forward-thinking approach to the ongoing debates surrounding later-life language change, drawing upon contributions from a wide range of linguistic disciplines to investigate critical topics such as the impact of linguistic architecture, the roles of mobility and identity construction, and the consequences of frequency effects. By consolidating these diverse perspectives, this edited collection not only sheds light on key questions about lifespan change but also actively contributes to shaping the future of research in cognitive linguistics, historical linguistics, dialectology, and variationist sociolinguistics.

Panel studies have emerged as a powerful tool for investigating linguistic change over time, allowing researchers to examine the effects of maturation, life events, and other factors on language development. This volume aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of research in this field, drawing on contributions from experts across various linguistic disciplines.

The first chapter of the volume provides an introduction to panel studies and their significance in studying linguistic change. It discusses the advantages of longitudinal data collection, the challenges associated with it, and the different types of panel studies that have been conducted. The chapter also highlights the key research questions that have been addressed in panel studies and the theoretical frameworks that have been used to analyze the data.

The second chapter focuses on the impact of maturation on linguistic malleability. It examines the developmental patterns of language acquisition and the factors that influence language change throughout the lifespan. The chapter explores the role of cognitive abilities, socialization, and environmental factors in shaping language development and how these factors interact with each other to influence linguistic malleability.

The third chapter examines the influence of lifespan-specific effects on linguistic malleability. It explores the effects of age, gender, social context, and other factors on language development and change. The chapter discusses the different linguistic strategies that individuals use to adapt to changing linguistic environments and the factors that contribute to the maintenance or loss of linguistic competence over time.

The fourth chapter explores the role of mobility in shaping linguistic malleability. It examines the effects of migration, urbanization, and other forms of mobility on language development and change. The chapter discusses the challenges that individuals face when moving to new linguistic environments and the strategies that they use to adapt to their new linguistic surroundings.

The fifth chapter examines the impact of identity construction on linguistic malleability. It explores the ways in which individuals negotiate their social identities and the linguistic practices that are associated with these identities. The chapter discusses the role of language in identity formation, the ways in which language is used to express and maintain social identities, and the factors that contribute to the maintenance or change of linguistic identities over time.

The sixth chapter examines the consequences of frequency effects on linguistic malleability. It explores the effects of language contact, language learning, and other forms of linguistic exposure on language development and change. The chapter discusses the ways in which language change is influenced by the frequency of exposure to different languages and the strategies that individuals use to adapt to changing linguistic environments.

The final chapter summarizes the key findings of the volume and provides recommendations for future research in the field. It discusses the potential for interdisciplinary collaboration in studying linguistic change and the need for more nuanced theoretical frameworks that can account for the complex interplay of factors that influence linguistic malleability.

In conclusion, this volume brings together cutting-edge research on panel studies, providing a comprehensive empirical and theoretical knowledge-base for examining the influence of maturation and lifespan-specific effects on linguistic malleability in the post-adolescent speaker. By drawing on contributions from a wide range of linguistic disciplines, the volume offers a forward-thinking approach to the debates surrounding later-life language change and contributes to shaping the future of research in cognitive linguistics, historical linguistics, dialectology, and variationist sociolinguistics.

Weight: 571g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367704803