noun
sociolinguistics
soh-see-oh-ling-GWIS-tiks
Sociolinguistics (noun) means the study of how society and culture affect language, and how language affects society. Example: “She took a course in sociolinguistics to understand why accents vary between groups.”
noun
1
The study of how society and culture affect language, and how language affects society.
"She took a course in sociolinguistics to understand why accents vary between groups."
"Sociolinguistics looks at how people speak differently at work and at home."
"His research in sociolinguistics focuses on language and social class."
How to use sociolinguistics
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe study of how language and society shape each other.
When to use it
It is an academic term used in linguistics.
Memory tip
Although it ends in -s, it is uncountable and takes a singular verb.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
study sociolinguistics
sociolinguistics course
field of sociolinguistics
sociolinguistics research
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She took a course in _____ to understand why accents vary between groups.
Etymology
The word is formed in English from the prefix socio- and the word linguistics.
Rhymes for sociolinguistics
See all rhymes for sociolinguistics →Frequently asked questions
What is sociolinguistics?
Sociolinguistics is the study of the effects of society and culture on language, and of language on society.
What is a person who studies sociolinguistics called?
Such a person is called a sociolinguist.
Is sociolinguistics a singular or plural noun?
It is uncountable and takes a singular verb, so you say that sociolinguistics is a growing field.
What is the meaning of sociolinguistics?
"sociolinguistics" (noun) means the study of how society and culture affect language, and how language affects society.
