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.

Foreword Introduction Theoretical Background and Previous Research The Research Design AGE Across the Individual Phonological Variables Testing for Correlations Across the Entire Database Statistical Testing Discussion Implications for Future Research Bibliography Appendices Index

JONATHAN MARSHALL is Lecturer at the Department of English Language at the University of Edinburgh.