INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLINGUISTICS: Language, Society, and Identity

Introduction to Sociolinguistics: Language, Society, and Identity offers a comprehensive introduction to the dynamic relationship between language and society, exploring how language reflects and shapes social structures, cultural practices, human interactions, and individual and collective identities. Drawing on classical sociolinguistic theories and contemporary perspectives, this book examines linguistic variation, social factors, multilingualism, language contact, language ideologies, and communication across diverse social contexts. Particular attention is given to Indonesia’s rich linguistic diversity, especially the Sasak-speaking communities of West Nusa Tenggara, connecting global sociolinguistic perspectives with the linguistic and cultural realities of local communities.

Organized into five chapters, this book explores the foundations of sociolinguistics, language variation and social factors, multilingualism and language contact, language in social interaction, and the practical applications of sociolinguistic knowledge. It also addresses contemporary issues such as language maintenance and shift, translanguaging, language and identity, digital communication, globalization, and the influence of artificial intelligence on multilingual societies. Enriched with contextual examples, case studies, learning activities, and discussion questions, this book serves as a valuable resource for students, lecturers, researchers, and readers seeking to understand how language operates as a powerful instrument of social interaction, identity construction, and cultural preservation in an increasingly interconnected world.