| Chapter Ⅰ Introduction | 第10-13页 |
| Chapter Ⅱ Variety of Language and Society | 第13-21页 |
| 2.1 Definition: variable, variant and variety | 第13-15页 |
| 2.2 Contemporary theories of language variation | 第15-17页 |
| 2.2.1 Tree model and wave model | 第15-16页 |
| 2.2.2 Theories of London School | 第16-17页 |
| 2.2.3 Theories of American sociolinguistics | 第17页 |
| 2.3 Purpose and methods of research | 第17-21页 |
| Chapter Ⅲ Linguistic Variation of American English | 第21-31页 |
| 3.1 Phonological retention | 第21-23页 |
| 3.2 Morphological standardization | 第23-24页 |
| 3.3 Lexical innovation | 第24-27页 |
| 3.4 Difference in word choice | 第27-31页 |
| Chapter Ⅳ Dissimilation of American English from British English | 第31-61页 |
| 4.1 Geographical and spiritual isolation | 第31-35页 |
| 4.2 Pursuit of language independence | 第35-39页 |
| 4.3 A way of paradox: absorption and resistance | 第39-53页 |
| 4.3.1 Diversity of loan words | 第39-40页 |
| 4.3.2 Psychological heritage of Anglo-Saxon | 第40-43页 |
| 4.3.3 Main influences | 第43-53页 |
| 4.4 Yankee Ingenuity and Frontier Spirit | 第53-61页 |
| Chapter Ⅴ Assimilation of British English to American English | 第61-72页 |
| 5.1 Change of attitudes: from intolerance to acceptance | 第61-65页 |
| 5.2 American infiltration of the British word stock | 第65-72页 |
| 5.2.1 Vehicles of politics and economy | 第65-67页 |
| 5.2.2 Vehicles of science and technology | 第67-69页 |
| 5.2.3 Vehicles of mass media | 第69-72页 |
| Chapter Ⅵ Conclusion | 第72-102页 |
