Table of Contents

1. Introduction: language variation; 2. Dialect, language, variety: definitions and relationships; 3. Mechanisms of change; 4. Variation in Spain; 5. Variation in Spanish America; 6. Variation in Judeo-Spanish; 7. Standardization.

Promotional Information

This book studies worldwide variation in Spanish, and the origins and history of this variation.

Reviews

' ... a concise review and exposition of yet another intensely studied area of Hispanic linguistics ... an indispensable resource for students and scholars alike. A unique contribution to the body of literature on Hispanic dialectology.' Journal of Sociolinguistics 'Penny's book would serve students of dialectology or history of the Spanish language equally well. Philologists will find a wealth of dialectal information not normally presented with the traditional historical topics, and sociolinguists will benefit from the historical perspectives. Put quite simply, Penny's book is the most linguistically accurate account we have to date for the development of the Spanish language in all of its diversity, a distinct service to the field.' Bulletin of Hispanic Studies 'The book will soon become an indispensable classic, being a much-needed overview written by probably the only expert with the necessary combination of talents. And it is so accessibly written, with clearly organized and self-contained sections, that the interested non-specialist will also be fascinated and intrigued.' Hispanic Research Journal 'Overall, it is impressive to see how the multiplicity of theoretical insights in linguistics can so perfectly accommodate other languages. Acquiring a copy of this book is like having many linguistics books at the same time.' Forum for Modern Language Studies ' ... an extremely valuable contribution to Spanish linguistics in general.' Modern Language Review