ABSTRACT
This chapter represents the issue by demonstrating the degree and nature of an alleged Western bias in sociolinguistic theory-making. It demonstrates the factors contributing to the persistent Western image of the field. The chapter find support for the view that there is a strong Western bias in sociolinguistics. It emphasises within the area called 'the West' too much internal variation exists for it to be considered a source of contrast with the 'non-West'. The chapter focuses on important names in the field; important authors and editors, their home university and their language background. It presents the relative contribution from different areas to the total number of publications and estimates on the human development status of the country. The chapter summarises the main conclusions and elaborates on the workings of the possible cultural bias and make suggestions towards a better balance in theory-making.
