William Labov

William Labov is a prominent American linguist known for his pioneering work in sociolinguistics, the study of how language varies and changes in social contexts. He examined how factors like class, ethnicity, and region influence the way people speak. Labov is famous for his research on African American Vernacular English and his innovative methods, such as using recordings and surveys to analyze speech patterns. His findings have significantly contributed to our understanding of language diversity and social identity, highlighting that language is not just a communication tool but also a reflection of cultural and social dynamics.