This course in an introduction to the linguistic diversity of the United States and the role of language in the production and negotiation of various forms of social difference (e.g; ethnicity, gender, region, etc.). Topics include, the role of language is the formation of social identity categories, social issues related to non-standard English dialects, and multilingualism in American society. Emphasis will be given to questions of power and resistance related to language use in the contexts of government, education and business.

This course in an introduction to the linguistic diversity of the United States and the role of language in the production and negotiation of various forms of social difference (e.g; ethnicity, gender, region, etc.). Topics include, the role of language is the formation of social identity categories, social issues related to non-standard English dialects, and multilingualism in American society. Emphasis will be given to questions of power and resistance related to language use in the contexts of government, education and business.