Describes a contradiction in the language used to discuss the counseling relationship: specifically the caring, collegial imagery used to describe the ideal relationship versus the rhetoric used to characterize counselor expectations of and experiences with client behavior. Notes some consequences of this contradiction. (Author/RC)

This introduction to sociolinguistics is presented in four parts. The first part gives an overview of this branch of language study, its scope and principles of inquiry, and its basic and key concepts. This portion is written for individuals with no prior knowledge or expertise in the subject. Topics covered in this section include: the nature of…