Perceptual Dialectology: From Isoglosses to Ideology

Perceptual Dialectology (PD) is the study of non-linguists' beliefs about language variation and its spatial distribution. This book provides a concise introduction to PD, covering the foundational assumptions and scholarly theories that inform it, such as sociolinguistics, human geography, and social psychology. It addresses the key strategies and best practices for the design, collection, analysis, and interpretation of PD research, such as the effects of bias, macro/micro social categories, use of interviews, and data analysis. It approaches the analysis of metalinguistic commentary through an exploration of the frameworks that assign meaning to language objects, and also includes a summary of the history and roots of PD, allowing readers to understand how PD intersects with both 'old' and 'new' ways of exploring sociolinguistic questions. Providing the tools to carry out their own research, it is ideal for researchers and students looking for a one-stop overview of this growing field.