Labovian sociolinguistics

Labovian sociolinguistics is a branch of linguistics that studies how social factors like class, age, and ethnicity influence language variation and change. Founded by William Labov, it emphasizes that language isn't static but varies systematically across different social groups. Researchers analyze real speech patterns to understand how people's social identities, behaviors, and contexts shape how they speak. This approach highlights that language reflects social structures and that variations are meaningful, helping us understand both individual identities and broader societal dynamics.