Readings are presented on the topic of linguistic pluralism in the United States. A section on some speech communities in the United States introduces major American language varieties, and representative studies show the central role of language in the maintenance of community identity. The section on variation within speech communities focuses on the complex inner dynamics of sociolinguistic groups and illustrates the range of stylistic variation, the impact of language attitudes on group members, and the conflicting pressures for and against assimilation to Standard English. The symbiotic relationship between attitudes and individual behavior demonstrates the impossibility of separating language from its social and political context. The section on educational implications presents a range of opinions on how best to approach instruction of nonstandard and non-English-speaking students. Examples are drawn from a variety of American speech communities. The general introduction, written for nonlinguists, briefly summarizes the basic concepts and terminology in linguistics, sociolinguistics, and the study of interaction. An annotated list of further readings, both introductory and technical, is included. (SW)