Covering both traditional topics and innovative approaches, this textbook constitutes a comprehensive introduction to English sociolinguistics. Reflecting the field's breadth and diversity, it guides students through the development of research on language and society over the last sixty years, as well as global trends and related fields such as World Englishes, language politics, language and inequality, and translanguaging. It features practical activities, for both individual work and in-class discussion, as well as vignettes introducing specific case studies, additional information on 'out of the box' topics, key terms, and examples from around the world and various social settings. Inspiring, personal and authoritative interviews with leading sociolinguists conclude the book. Assuming only a basic understanding of the English sound system and its grammar, and supported online by additional activities and selected model answers, this is the ideal text for undergraduates wanting an accessible and modern introduction to the field.