ABSTRACT
Social network analysis examines the relationships that an individual creates and maintains with others in order to explain and predict language behavior. The foundational applications of social network theory to sociolinguistics examined non-standard, indexical features in L1 speech communities and subsequent studies extended social network analysis to explain language use and shift in bilingual and immigrant communities. A growing body of research highlights the importance of social networks in L2 acquisition, especially L2 acquisition during a stay in the target-language community. This chapter examines studies using social network theory and measurement to characterize and predict the language behavior of L2 learners.
