Abstract

This chapter provides a critical overview of the field of sociolinguistics, an interdiciplinary approach to the study of language which emerged in the 1960s. The history of the field is outlined, and ‘new debates’ are discussed. The latter include, in particular, voices from the global South which have brought new topics and perspectives into the discussion. Ana Deumert then proceeds to discuss three core topics in sociolinguistics: indexicality, ideologies and diversity and inequality. The concepts are illustrated with examples from the literature. The conclusion reflects on the future of sociolinguistics, and emphasises the need for global approaches that move the field beyond its Euro-American foundations.