Attention: Question refer to Text 01. Only one alternative is correct.

Text 01

English is perhaps the most widely-spoken, widely-taught and widely-researched language in the world. For these reasons, research centred on (varieties of) English1 has been fundamental to the development of sociolinguistics and related disciplines, as with many branches of linguistics and language sciences. From insight into the social stratification of linguistic variables (Labov), to understanding of the way in which language intertwines with social communities and identity (Eckert), via explorations as to how context is embedded in language (Gumperz), studies focusing on English have played a key role in shaping the questions, methods and concepts of sociolinguistics and other disciplines that adopt a social approach to researching language.

This dynamic shows no signs of abating and recent research has continued this exploration of English as a social practice, shedding light on the reciprocal influence between English and matters relating to gender (Eckert and McConnell-Ginet), sexuality (Ehrlich et al.), political resistance (Reisigl and Wodak), race (Makoni et al.), climate change (Flottum) and all nature of social, sanitary and/or economic crises (Piller et al.), to name but a few key areas of interest. In sum, English – whether as a first language, as a lingua franca (Mauranen and Ranta) or within multi- or plurilingual practices (Forlot) – is deeply intertwined with extremely diverse sociolinguistic configurations. Linguistically speaking, these different social contexts contribute profoundly to shaping all aspects of the genesis, evolution and variation of English (Glain). Seen from another angle, these same English(es) constitute social, cultural, ideological, identity, political, or sometimes even economic, resources (e.g. Heller; Eckert; Trudgill), deployed by speakers in any number of social contexts, to any number of social ends. [...]

1 In a quest for clarity, “English” is used in place of “(varieties of) English” from this point forward. However, all occurrences of “English” should be taken to include “(varieties of) English”.

From: https://journals.openedition.org/anglophonia/4683 accessed on November 23rd, 2023.