Synopsis'Natalie Schilling learned the 'secrets of sociolinguistic fieldwork' (as she so aptly puts it) in both urban and rural settings. Her hands-on experience gives her book uncommon breadth, and her sensitivity, both scientific and social, gives it unrivalled depth.' J. K. Chambers, University of Toronto '... a detailed blueprint of sociolinguistic fieldwork, from initial study design, to making contacts, to more long term community involvement ... manages to capture wonderfully the often 'messy' experience of data collection in the real world. The 'secrets' of sociolinguistic fieldwork are indeed unlocked in this book.' Jennifer Smith, University of Glasgow 'Perhaps Natalie Schilling has done our little band of scholars a bad service by letting our secrets out in this comprehensive and clearly written account of what sociolinguists do - not just the various ways we go about doing it but, more importantly, the social and linguistic questions (and their interaction) that motivate our doing it, these latter points very well-integrated into the how-tos. A much larger audience will now have access to our mysteries, but, of all the linguistic mysteries that should be revealed to a more general public, sociolinguistics is surely at the forefront in the roles it plays in establishing a more democratic society. In short, on all these fronts, this is a very good place to learn how to do and why we do sociolinguistics.' Dennis R. Preston, Regents Professor, Oklahoma State University