Qualitative Methods in Sociolinguistics

Book excerpt: Qualitative Reseach Methods in Sociolinguistics provides a brief, accessible introduction to general theoretical and practical questions about research and to the main ways data for interpretive sociolinguistic work can be selected, collected, and analyzed. Topics discussed include standards of evidence, research ethics, ethnography, discourse analysis, and strategies for writing articles and essays. The book, the first on this topic, is intended as a supplementary text for courses in sociolinguistics, language and culture, or field methods. Questions for discussion and suggestions for further reading at the end of each chapter provide a starting point for student research projects. The book will be useful to anyone contemplating sociolingustic research on any level.