English Sociophonetics

Rich with examples of standard and nonstandard English-language practices in Britain, Australia, the United States, and other English-speaking countries, this volume is the first to consider English-language varieties in transnational geographical and social contexts.

In its exploration of global sociophonetics, the text introduces the technical terminology and theoretical concepts behind auditory and acoustic phonetics and draws on cognition, speech technology, linguistic theory, and forensic speech science in its analyses. Written in a lively, accessible style, the volume provides the necessary background for students and general readers eager to make meaning from sociophonetic literature, while also struggling to find the confidence to embark on their own research projects. The text explains how phonetic difference can geographically and socially place a range of speakers and covers the fundamentals of language change and applied linguistics. It also describes the use of sociophonetics in professional practice and ethics and identifies ways to conduct sociophonetics in multiple methodologies and disciplines.