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The Study of Language Attitudes

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The Social Psychology of English as a Global Language

Part of the book series: Educational Linguistics ((EDUL,volume 10))

Abstract

In the previous chapter, a critical overview of the research context was provided. Chapter 2 begins with a discussion of the nature of attitudes generally and continues with a description of behaviourist and mentalist theories of attitudes in the field of social psychology. A summary of the functions which attitudes can fulfill for the individual is also given. The chapter then focuses more specifically on language attitudes and examines the importance of language attitudes in both cognitive and sociopyschological theories of second language acquisition studies. Finally, a critical review of the importance of language attitudes in the field of sociolinguistics is offered.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. English Language and Linguistics, Northumbria University, Lipman Building, Sandyford Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK

    Robert M. McKenzie

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  1. Robert M. McKenzie
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Correspondence to Robert M. McKenzie .

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McKenzie, R.M. (2010). The Study of Language Attitudes. In: The Social Psychology of English as a Global Language. Educational Linguistics, vol 10. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-8566-5_2

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