This alphabetic guide introduces popular terms used in the study of language and society. Clearly written by a leading authority in the field, this glossary provides full coverage of both traditional and contemporary terminology, including the relatively new areas within sociolinguistics of sign language, gay language, and cross-cultural communication. "A landmark event. It signifies the dramatic growth of sociolinguistics over the past several years and the level of interest it now attracts....No one is in a better position to write a glossary of the field, and no one can match Trudgill's lucid, readable style."--Walt Wolfram, North Carolina State University