List of maps; List of figures; List of contributors; Preface; Map; 1. The study of dialect convergence and divergence: conceptual and methodological considerations F. Hinskens, P. Auer and P. Kerswill; Part I. Convergence, Divergence and Linguistic Structure: 2. Internal and external factors in phonological convergence: the case of English /t/ lenition J. Kallen; 3. Dialect/standard convergence, mixing and models of language contact: the case of Italy G. Berruto; 4. Convergence and divergence in grammar L. Cornips and K. Corrigan; 5. Phonology, grammar and discourse in dialect convergence J. Cheshire, P. Kerswill and A. Williams; Part II. Macrosociolinguistic Motivations of Convergence and Divergence: 6. Processes of standardisation in Scandinavia I. L. Pedersen; 7. The birth of new dialects P. Kerswill and P. Trudgill; 8. Dialect convergence in the German language islands P. Rosenberg; 9. Political borders and dialect divergence/convergence in Europe C. Woolhiser; 10. The influence of urban centres on the spatial diffusion of dialect phenomena J. Taeldeman; Part III. Microsociolinguistic Motivations: 11. Subjective factors in dialect convergence and divergence T. Kristiansen and J. Jørgensen; 12. How similar are people who speak alike? An interpretive way of using social networks in social dialectology research J. A. Villena-Ponsoda; 13. The role of interpersonal accommodation in a theory of language change P. Auer and F. Hinskens; References; Index.

'… an excellent book based on internationally oriented research that sets the topic of dialect convergence and divergence into the broader context of dialect and language dynamics. It offers many insights for the interested non-specialist as well as the critical specialist looking for new and yet unsolved research questions.' Sociolinguistica