This accessible textbook offers students the opportunity to explore for themselves a wide range of sociolinguistic issues relating to the Spanish language and its role in societies around the world. It is written for undergraduate students who have a sound practical knowledge of Spanish but who have little or no knowledge of linguistics or sociolinguistics. It combines text with practical exercises and discussion questions to stimulate readers to think for themselves and to tackle specific problems.
In Part One Clare Mar-Molinero discusses the position of Spanish as a world language, giving an historical account of its development and dominance. Part Two examines social and regional variation in Spanish, and investigates dialects, language attitudes, and style and register, particulaly in the media. The author also questions the relationship between gender and language. Part Three focuses on current issues, particularly those arising from language policies and legislation, especially in the education system, in Spain, Latin America and the USA.

Reviews

'This book is essential reading for any student undertaking an undergraduate course in Spanish and for anyone wishing to understand more fully the sociolinguistic issues of the Spanish-speaking world.' - Vida Hispanica

'An informative and intelligible account of the sociolinguistic factors which have contributed to the present position of Spanish and its neighbouring languages, and prompts the reader to play an active role in recognizing the relevance of sociolinguistic theories to current usage and attitudes ... the scope of the book is considerable.' - TESSARAE

'comments on alnguage attitudesand the politics of language in spain and several parts of latin America are sensitive and perceptive....this book is competent and well-informed. It is targetted precisely at a linguistically unsophisticated but politically aware audience,' - Bulletin of Hispanic Studies 98

Book Information
ISBN 9780415129831
Author Clare Mar-Molinero
Format Paperback
Page Count 200
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 385g