Investigating Language Attitudes

This is a systematic and critical appraisal of the variety of ways in which people's attitudes to language have been researched internationally over recent decades. The authors explain this complex field through clear reviews and commentary on previous work, while also offering a demonstration of language attitude research in one specific and important context, the English language in Wales. In addition to discussing different ways of expressing attitudes, from teenagers' and teachers' attitudes to regional and subcultural variation in attitudes, the book also considers issues such as degrees of authentic Welshness, the impact of rapid social change in Wales.

' ... The strength of Garrett, Coupland and Williams' book is that it transcends the limitations of the method and the data through the shrewdness of their comments and their willingness to explore so many facets of their results. It will be very useful to anyone interested in investing language attitudes, and I recommend it strongly.' (Journal of Sociolinguistics) 'This is valuable reading for those interested in the area of language attitudes and message effects - and is the first book-length treatment of the former for many years...readers will garner insights into Welsh life and the social meanings of a surprising array of Welsh accents - topics under-appreciated outside this principality but, herein, giving life and vitality.' Southern Journal of Communication 'This is an interesting book reporting on important, wide-ranging research, which illuminates the situation in a country of considerable sociolinguistic relevance, Wales, and raises thought-provoking issues in relation to methodology...a worthwhile, enlightening and enjoyable read.' (Language Awareness) 'This is a well structured, carefully presented and significant book that is a fine addition to the long tradition of language attitude research. The book illustrates high-quality research preceded by a most comprehensive, balanced and thoughtful introduction to the study of language attitudes.' The International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism 'This is a well-documented and critical work, written by practitioners in the long-established research area of language attitudes, and it will be of great interest to a wide multidisciplinary range of readers in the fields of sociolinguistics, the social psychology of language, the sociology of language and education'. Language in Society