History of sociolinguistics

What is it about?

Sociolinguistics existed long before its institutional establishment as a sub-field of linguistics. This article addresses the history of sociolinguistics, considering pre-sociolinguistic reflection on other fields as well as key factors in the emergence and emancipation of sociolinguistics as it is presently understood.

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Why is it important?

The history of sociolinguistics is marked by a rich interplay of scientific theories that have shaped its emergence and evolution in different societal and geopolitical settings. The circulation and transfer of knowledge, especially migrant knowledge, were crucial to the dissemination of relevant ideas across the world. As sociolinguistics continues to adapt to new social realities, including digital communication, it remains a vital field for understanding the complexities of human interaction in a diverse and interconnected world.