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Theoretical and Historical Perspectives on Researching the Sociology of Language and Education

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Research Methods in Language and Education

Part of the book series: Encyclopedia of Language and Education ((ELE))

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Abstract

This contribution traces the development of the sociology of language and its key research approaches. Close attention is paid to the contrast between research approaches that focus on verstehende (understanding) and those whose primary goal is erklaerende (explanatory). The piece concludes that the sociology of language education (SLE) must be inclusive enough and supportive enough to provide room and recognition for both erklaerende and verstehende approaches to its subject matter.

Sadly, Dr. Joshua Fishman is no longer living; we republish his chapter here, unchanged from the previous edition.

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References

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Distinguished University Research Professor of Social Sciences, Yeshiva University, Albert Einstein College of Medicine Campus, Bronx, New York, NY, USA

    Joshua A. Fishman

Authors
  1. Joshua A. Fishman
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Second Languages and Cultures Program, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA

    Kendall King

  2. University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

    Yi-Ju Lai

  3. Faculty of Education, University of Auckland, School of Critic, Auckland, New Zealand

    Stephen May

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© 2016 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

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Fishman, J.A. (2016). Theoretical and Historical Perspectives on Researching the Sociology of Language and Education. In: King, K., Lai, YJ., May, S. (eds) Research Methods in Language and Education. Encyclopedia of Language and Education. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-02329-8_1-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-02329-8_1-1

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-02329-8

  • eBook Packages: Springer Reference EducationReference Module Humanities and Social SciencesReference Module Education

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