As Jack Chambers notes, sociolinguists seek to observe speech as people use it when they are not being observed. This is the “Observer’s Paradox,” and it has been a central preoccupation of sociolinguistic methodology from the beginning.

Since William Labov gave name to the Observer’s Paradox, sociolinguists have sought out new ways to neutralize it. What challenges arise when collectable speech data occurs in new, highly unnatural contexts: staying 1.5 metres apart, wearing face masks, speaking over video-call software, etc.?

In this topic, we will explore ways to continue to neutralize the Observer’s paradox in this new era of pandemic.