Conversations with Strangers

"This Element documents the evolution of a research program that began in the early 1960s with the author's first investigation of language change on Martha's Vineyard. It traces the development of what has become the basic framework for studying language variation and change"--

1. Prologue: What this Element is about; 2. Growing up in New Jersey; 3. Martha's Vineyard: Donald Poole, Fisherman; 4. New York City: Rose Barisse, Garment Worker; 5. New York City: Michael Duffy, Fireman; 6. Rural Pennsylvania: Bill Peters, Farmer; 7. Rural Utah: Brad Anders, Dairy Farmer; 8. Hillsborough, North Carolina: Adolphus Hester, Farmer; 9. Knoxville, Tennessee: Louise Atkins, Domestic Worker; 10. East Atlanta: Henry Guyton, Railway Foreman; 11. Philadelphia Pennsylvania: Celeste Sweeney, Saleswoman; 12. Philadelphia Pennsylvania: Gloria Stein, Postal clerk; 13. Final Words; References.