It is estimated that there are currently more than 400 million Spanish speakers worldwide, with the United States being home to one of the world's largest native Spanish-speaking populations. Reflecting the increasing importance of the Spanish language both in the U.S. and abroad, "The Handbook of Hispanic Linguistics" features a collection of newly-written essays contributed by top Spanish linguistics scholars that explore all facets relating to the origins, evolution, and geographical variations of the Spanish language. While coverage is provided on applied concerns such as second language learning, Spanish in the classroom, immigration, heritage languages and bilingualism, several essays also address the significant body of theoretical work emerging in Spanish linguistics. By combining the most crucial elements of current findings in theoretical and applied research, "The Handbook of Hispanic Linguistics" sheds new light on the increasing growth and importance of the Spanish language.