The text presents an introduction to sociolinguistics for second language teachers, focusing on social dimensions of language likely to be of interest to this group. The first group of chapters addresses the manner in which the larger social and political context affects language broadly: "Language Attitudes, Motivation, and Standards" (Mary McGroarty); "Societal Multilingualism" (Kamal K. Sridhar); "World Englishes" (Braj B. Kachru, Cecil L. Nelson); and "Language Planning and Policy" (Terrence G. Wiley). The second part focuses on how the larger social context affects the particular linguistic forms the individual uses: "Regional and Social Variation" (John R. Rickford); "Pidgins and Creoles" (Patricia C. Nichols); and "Language and Gender" (Rebecca Freeman, Bonnie McElhinny). In part three, chapters deal with how a specific social situation or role relationship influences both verbal and nonverbal communication, and vice versa:: "Ethnographic Microanalysis" (Frederick Erickson); "Interactional Sociolinguistics" (Deborah Schiffrin); and "Intercultural Communication" (J. Keith Chick). In part four, analysis focuses on specific social situations and role relationships within a culture: "The Ethnography of Communication" (Muriel Saville-Troike); "Speech Acts" (Andrew D. Cohen); and "Literacy and Literacies" (Sandra Lee McKay). The concluding chapter, "Language and Education" (Nancy H. Hornberger) examines how language influences and is influenced by education. (MSE)