Lesley Milroy is a prominent linguist known for her work in sociolinguistics, particularly in the study of language variation and change. She has contributed significantly to understanding how social factors influence language use and the maintenance of dialects. Her research often focuses on the relationship between language and identity within communities. Milroy is also recognized for her studies on Belfast English, where she examined how social networks affect language patterns. Her insights have helped shape the field of sociolinguistics, emphasizing the importance of context in language studies and the role of community in linguistic diversity.