This is a deeply insightful study of when, how and why learners acquire sociolinguistic variation of German. Mason Wirtz pushes the boundaries of existing knowledge on the development of sociolinguistic competence by employing innovative new methods and test batteries rarely applied in Variationist SLA. This book provides a rich research agenda that will impact how we think about and study L2 sociolinguistic development for years to come. * Erik Schleef, University of Salzburg, Austria * In his novel investigation of sociolinguistic competence, Wirtz highlights the roles of cognitive and psycholinguistic factors, provides a compelling intra-individual longitudinal design, and carefully analyzes both group and individual data. This innovative and rigorous mixed-methods resource is sure to be required reading for scholars of SLA! * Matthew Kanwit, University of Pittsburgh, USA * From the advanced statistical techniques to the use of virtual reality, this volume offers new and exciting insights, approaches, and methods at every turn. It dazzles in its specificities and details, yet it never loses sight of the big picture: the central role language plays in our social lives. * Megan Solon, Indiana University, USA * This book constitutes an excellent example of high-quality L2 variationist scholarship. Although he challenges the methodological and theoretical boundaries of the field, Wirtz shows himself to be a skilled bridge builder, drawing on robust findings from decades of research but also offering fresh and innovative ways forward. * Amanda Edmonds, Côte d'Azur University, France *
