Language Change and Sociolinguistics

Rethinking Social Networks

This sociolinguistic study offers a new theoretical framework for understanding the diffusion of language change within a community. Advanced statistical analysis methods are used in rigorously testing the supposed norm-enforcement effect of social networks. Revisions to the social network model are proposed, allowing the effects of various social factors operating simultaneously on the individual to be considered in evaluating the process of resistance to language change.

This sociolinguistic study offers a new theoretical framework for understanding the diffusion of language change within a community.