An overview of the interconnections between language variation and social processes in a wide range of contexts.
Global Sociolinguistics begin with an exploration of language choice in multilingual communities, including the linguistic repertoires of individuals and the patterned ways that particular language varieties are used for identity construction. Moving outward to the national level, we compare patterns of multilingualism within nation states, and the ideological processes of language policy and language planning. In addition, we discuss the important societal roles of regional and ethnic dialects that lack institutional status. We conclude by focusing on language use within interactions, and especially on issues of politeness in cross-cultural communication and miscommunication.