This course considers the interplay of language, society, and culture. It does so by exploring the connections that exist between language forms, individual speakers, and socially salient groups in terms of identity, legality, power, and expectation. How do we measure, study, and understand communication and language? How might interpretations of language-use change depending who the speaker is, how they say what they say, and where/when they say it? Readings and discussions will address these questions and the many issues that we encounter every day as we attempt to communicate with others.