Sociolinguistic Variation in Old English: Records of communities and people

This book is the first extensive study of Old English to utilize sociolinguistic insights, considering sociological and social dialectology factors and examining the interplay of linguistic innovation, variation, and change with region, scribal office, gender, and social status. It also explores supralocalization processes and their correlation with political centralization in Anglo-Saxon England.

Format: Hardback
Length: 204 pages
Publication date: 19 July 2022
Publisher: John Benjamins Publishing Co

This groundbreaking work represents the first comprehensive exploration of Old English that harnesses the insights and methodologies of sociolinguistics. By building upon previous philological and historical research, it delves into the sociology and social dialectology of Old English, providing a rich description of its speech communities informed by the theory of social networks and communities of practice.

In particular, this book employs data from historical narratives and legal documents to examine the intricate interplay between linguistic innovation, variation, and change, alongside sociolinguistic factors such as region, scribal office, gender, and social status. It sheds light on the processes of supralocalisation and their profound correlation with periods of political centralisation in the history of Anglo-Saxon England.

The study unfolds in three distinct chapters, each dedicated to exploring different aspects of Old English sociolinguistics. Chapter 1 provides an overview of the historical background and development of Old English, highlighting the sociolinguistic factors that shaped its evolution. Chapter 2 delves into the social networks and communities of practice that influenced the speech of Old English speakers, examining the role of social hierarchies, kinship, and gender in shaping linguistic variation. Chapter 3 explores the processes of supralocalisation and their impact on the development of Old English dialects, analysing how linguistic innovations spread and evolved within specific regions and social groups.

Throughout the book, the author employs a multidisciplinary approach, drawing upon a wide range of sources and methodologies to shed light on the complex tapestry of Old English sociolinguistics. These include historical linguistics, sociolinguistics, social anthropology, and cultural history, allowing for a comprehensive and interdisciplinary understanding of the language and its social context.

By undertaking this extensive study, the author aims to contribute to our understanding of the sociolinguistic processes that shaped the development of Old English and its role in the broader history of English language and culture. The book offers valuable insights for scholars, researchers, and enthusiasts alike, shedding light on the rich and complex nature of Old English sociolinguistics and its enduring significance in the study of language and society.

This groundbreaking work represents the first comprehensive exploration of Old English that harnesses the insights and methodologies of sociolinguistics. By building upon previous philological and historical research, it delves into the sociology and social dialectology of Old English, providing a rich description of its speech communities informed by the theory of social networks and communities of practice.

In particular, this book employs data from historical narratives and legal documents to examine the intricate interplay between linguistic innovation, variation, and change, alongside sociolinguistic factors such as region, scribal office, gender, and social status. It sheds light on the processes of supralocalisation and their profound correlation with periods of political centralisation in the history of Anglo-Saxon England.

The study unfolds in three distinct chapters, each dedicated to exploring different aspects of Old English sociolinguistics. Chapter 1 provides an overview of the historical background and development of Old English, highlighting the sociolinguistic factors that shaped its evolution. Chapter 2 delves into the social networks and communities of practice that influenced the speech of Old English speakers, examining the role of social hierarchies, kinship, and gender in shaping linguistic variation. Chapter 3 explores the processes of supralocalisation and their impact on the development of Old English dialects, analysing how linguistic innovations spread and evolved within specific regions and social groups.

Throughout the book, the author employs a multidisciplinary approach, drawing upon a wide range of sources and methodologies to shed light on the complex tapestry of Old English sociolinguistics. These include historical linguistics, sociolinguistics, social anthropology, and cultural history, allowing for a comprehensive and interdisciplinary understanding of the language and its social context.

By undertaking this extensive study, the author aims to contribute to our understanding of the sociolinguistic processes that shaped the development of Old English and its role in the broader history of English language and culture. The book offers valuable insights for scholars, researchers, and enthusiasts alike, shedding light on the rich and complex nature of Old English sociolinguistics and its enduring significance in the study of language and society.

Weight: 535g
ISBN-13: 9789027211347