It is usual to study a number of linguistic variables in a
single speech community. The present study, however, focuses
on a single phonological variable in a number of speech
communities—the vocalization of /l/ in nine Australian
and New Zealand cities—in order to (1) strengthen and
extend the quick and anonymous field method by designing an
instrument to include all relevant phonological environments;
(2) demonstrate the strategic potential of moving from a
unilocality to a multilocality sociolinguistics; (3) conceptualize
a variationist isogloss that extends rather than displaces the
core methodology of sociolinguistics; and (4) propose a conception
of geography that offers mechanisms (space and place effects)
to help distinguish language change processes that are universal
from those that are not. Place and space represent a system
of contrasts within geography. Place effects refer to the ensemble
of sociolinguistic conditions within a speech locality, whereas
space effects refer to the relationship between speech localities.
Place effects provide a potential explanation for why spatial
models fail to account adequately for the facts: that is, why
some places resist the spread of innovation while other places
welcome innovation.
Spatial Pattern of Economic Activity and Inactivity in Britain: People or Place Effects?
