Sociolinguistics
/ˌsoʊ.si.oʊ.lɪŋˈɡwɪs.tɪks/
Definitions
- (n.) The study of how language use varies and changes in social groups, especially in diverse legal and cultural contexts requiring interpretation or policy formulation.
Sociolinguistics helps courts understand how dialects impact witness credibility.
Related terms
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Commentary
Understanding sociolinguistics is crucial for legal professionals dealing with multilingual or multicultural cases to interpret language nuances correctly.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.