Over the past 25 years, previously separate fields of linguistic research have moved closer together, resulting in constructive collaborations: Cognitive Sociolinguistics draws on the framework of Cognitive Linguistics to investigate social factors in linguistic variation. Linguistic Landscape studies merge Semiotics and Sociolinguistics. Critical Discourse Studies link ideological dimensions of language to general conceptual principles. Language pedagogy is constantly informed by developments in Applied Linguistics. Furthermore, there is lively communication with neighbouring disciplines such as Literary and Cultural Studies. The present volume reflects this fruitful fluidity. It is a tribute to the linguist Martin Pütz, whose work has always been guided by this interdisciplinary spirit.
