When we introduced sociolinguistic variables it was mainly in relation to the two interconnected social factors of class and style. This is important but somewhat misleading, since it highlights only one particular sociolinguistic structure. It quickly became obvious that other social variables also reveal patterns in linguistic variability which are significant. An index score, whether individual or averaged for primary or secondary groups, is at the intersection of social factors.

In this chapter, we will look at some of these factors in turn and try to see how they intersect in particular cases. The main factors are: (1) geographical space; (2) stratification; (3) social networks; (4) sex; (5) ethnicity; (6) age. These are woven together in a very subtle and complex way in a speech community. They interact differently for different variables. Using quantitative methods to study correlations with one social factor makes the pattern partially visible.