ABSTRACT
The ways in which languages vary systematically in social contexts and what the nature of these variation tells us about human interaction constitute the main themes of this chapter. Among the ways in which we maintain and acknowledge social roles (formally and informally) is via register, the use of language to convey differences in relations and how these manifest themselves in politeness protocols. Concepts of race, ethnicity, and class are also embedded in linguistic forms, as will be explored. Also discussed in the chapter are the social functions of slang, jargon, and style.
