This course provides an overview of the field of sociolinguistics – studying language in its social
context and looking at how linguistic choices are associated with social and situational
characteristics.
Aims (Module Purpose/Objectives):
To familiarize students with:
- the principal concepts of sociolinguistics
- how different varieties and features of language spread, change or disappear
- the key findings of sociolinguistics, examining language variation and the social, linguistic and contextual characteristics which help to shape it
- issues related to language in its social context
- the methodologies of analyzing a piece of sociolinguistic data
Principal learning outcomes
- A) Content/knowledge aims: this module will 1. Help you develop a greater awareness of the relationships between language and social context, and how these relationships are signalled through language. 2. Introduce you to key sociolinguistic theory and concepts for explaining how our language varies in social contexts. 3. Help you develop an understanding of the tools and methodological insights needed to explore language variation in our social world.4. Consider issues related to language use and social context, with particular attention to language attitudes.
- B) Skill and attribute development aims: this module aims to give you an opportunity to 1. Develop and demonstrate your critical thinking skills with regards to sociolinguistic theory and language use in society. 2. Design, carry out and write up a sociolinguistic research project into how language is used in your community. 3. Develop and demonstrate intellectual curiosity in the field of sociolinguistics.
- Enseignant: Amina BABOU