A Tribute to Prof. William Labov

from the Editorial Board of Journal of Chinese Linguistic

It is with great sadness that we learnt of the passing of Professor William Labov, who passed away at 3:00 AM on December 17, 2024 (Eastern Time), at the age of 97.

Widely regarded as the founder of the field of variationist sociolinguistics and one of the most influential figures in modern linguistics, Professor Labov’s academic career spanned nearly seventy years, and his contributions to the study and development of linguistics are immeasurable. His academic career spanned nearly seventy years, and his contributions to the study and development of linguistics are immeasurable. In particular, his groundbreaking work on the relationship between language variation and social factors laid the foundation for the development of variationist sociolinguistics. Labov’s seminal work, The Social Stratification of English in New York City, and his Principles of Linguistic Change continue to influence and shape the field today.

Professor Labov’s research demonstrated how social factors such as class, gender, and ethnicity influence language variation, providing valuable insights not only for linguistics but also for the social sciences. His theories and methodologies transformed our understanding of language, showing that language is not only a tool for communication but also a reflection of societal structures.

As a leading figure in the field of linguistics, Labov’s impact extends beyond academia, influencing education, language policy, and sociolinguistics globally. His passing marks a great loss to the linguistic community worldwide.

On behalf of the editorial board at the Journal of Chinese Linguistics, we extend our deepest condolences to Professor Labov’s family. His academic legacy will continue to inspire future generations of linguists.