“This is a delightfully engaging introduction to the passionate purpose of sociolinguistics. Van Herk is a masterful guide who personally escorts students on an informative, entertaining tour of the field. Students experience sociolinguistics through the perfect blend of substance, interaction, and autobiographical perspective.” – Walt Wolfram, North Carolina State University

“What is Sociolinguistics offers a refreshingly different take on many of the standard, key concepts in the field.  It is funny, clear, and distinctly personal, providing essential information about sociolinguistics and referring students to a host of other works that can take them deeper if they wish.” – John Rickford, Stanford University