sociolinguistics

[ soh-see-oh-ling-gwis-tiks, soh-shee- ]

noun

, (used with a singular verb)

1. the study of language as it functions in society; the study of the interaction between linguistic and social variables.

sociolinguistics

/ ˌsəʊsɪəʊlɪŋˈɡwɪstɪks /

noun

1. functioning as singular the study of language in relation to its social context

Derived Forms

• ˌsocioˈlinguist, noun
• ˌsociolinˈguistic, adjective

Other Words From

• soci·o·linguist noun
• soci·o·lin·guistic adjective
• soci·o·lin·guisti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of sociolinguistics¹

First recorded in 1935–40; socio- + linguistics

Example Sentences

She studied in France and Norway, and attended Hollins College in Virginia where she majored in sociolinguistics.

From The Daily Beast