Integrating the Perspectives

Penelope Eckert (Université de Stanford)
Integrating the Perspectives

The last week will explore issues in integrating the macro- and the micro- structure of variation. For example, eye tracking experiments have indicated that macro- and micro-indexicality both play roles in the perception of variation, but that perception of personae may be primary. The view of variables as indexical signs begs for the integration of variation into theories of semantics and pragmatics. And changes in personae, and changes in the indexicality of variables, are a mechanism of social change, making variation not a reflection of, but integral to, social change.

Materials (slides, papers…)