Introductory description

What affects the way we speak? What is the difference between a language and a dialect? And how is power related to language? In this module we consider these and other questions and unpack the ways in which language shapes and is shaped by society. You will have a chance to look at how language works in different public and private contexts and in different multilingual and intercultural settings. Using real world data, you will be introduced to a range of different theoretical concepts and methodological approaches to help you understand, describe and interpret language use in society. The module provides a foundation both for further study of Communication and for Sociolinguistics in Year 2.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

This module will explore: (a) the notion of language use in relation to different sociocultural contexts, (b) the relationship between language and identity as well as the practical issues and challenges associated with the multilingual and multicultural lives of people in modern societies. This interaction between theory and real life issues will be investigated around the following general themes:

• Language use in context
• Language and identity
• Multilingualism & multiculturalism
• Multilingual & multicultural practices in society
• Language policy and language practice
• Globalisation

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• (Subject knowledge and understanding) demonstrate knowledge and understanding of theories and empirical research on language use, with a particular focus on language use in different sociocultural contexts. Show understanding of the relationship between language and identity. show awareness of key issues around intercultural interaction and linguistic aspects of multilingualism and multiculturalism. (Cognitive Skills) evaluate critically how different theoretical & methodological approaches and concepts help to understand, describe and explain language use in different multilingual and multicultural contexts. (Subject-specific Skills/Professional Skills) design and carry out a small-scale investigative study of language use using quantitative and/or qualitative methods as appropriate . (Key Skills) Read academic papers effectively Communicate clearly and effectively in discussions Communicate ideas effectively in writing Work collaboratively in teams Work independently Plan and manage time and workload to meet deadlines

Indicative reading list

Auer, P. and Li Wei (eds.) (2007) Handbook of multilingualism and multilingual communication. Berlin: Mouton de Gruyter.
Blackledge, A. and Creese, A. (2010) Multilingualism: a critical perspective. London: Continuum.
Block, D. (2006) Multilingual identities in a global city. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
Gumperz, J. and Hymes, D. (1972) Directions in Sociolinguistics: the ethnography of communication. New York:Holt, Rinehart and Winston.
Holmes, J. (2013) An introduction to sociolinguistics. Oxon:Routledge.
Li Wei and Moyer, M. (eds.) (2008) Research methods in bilingualism and multilingualism. Oxford: Blackwell.
Lott, B. (2009) Multiculturalism and diversity: A social psychological perspective. Chichester, UK: John Wiley.
May, S. (2001) Language and minority rights: ethnicity, nationalism and the politics of language. London: Longman.
Senft, G., Östman, J. O., and Verschueren, J. (Eds.). (2009) Culture and language use (Vol. 2). Amsterdam: John Benjamins Publishing.
Zarate, G., Lévy, D. and Kramsch, C. (eds.) (2011) Handbook of multilingualism and multiculturalism. Paris: Editions des archives contemporianes.

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Research element

All assessment includes original research project. This involves the design as well as carrying out projects on core areas of module and programme overall.

Interdisciplinary

The module is designed to provide the students with an understanding of relationships between the different disciplinary areas within linguistics, particularly socio, theoretical and applied. It also invites to the students to make connections with other disciplinary areas covered in the programme particularly social psychology.

International

The module draws on cases from different contexts, including different geopolitical areas, professional environments and linguistic contexts. The content and assessment invite the students to reflect on issues of power asymmetry in the various different environments and in relation to phenomena covered in the module. The concept of social justice is prominent and is particularly relevant for critically looking into the changes in the world around us.

Subject specific skills

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of theories and empirical research on language use, with a particular focus on language use in different sociocultural contexts.
• Show understanding of the relationship between language and identity.
• show awareness of key issues around intercultural interaction and linguistic aspects of multilingualism and multiculturalism.
• design and carry out a small-scale investigative study of language use using quantitative and/or qualitative methods as appropriate .

Transferable skills

• evaluate critically how different theoretical & methodological approaches and concepts help to understand, describe and explain language use in different multilingual and multicultural contexts.
• Read academic papers effectively
• Communicate clearly and effectively in discussions
• Communicate ideas effectively in writing
• Work collaboratively in teams
  (Key Skills)
• Read academic papers effectively
• Communicate clearly and effectively in discussions
• Communicate ideas effectively in writing
• Work collaboratively in teams
• Work independently
• Plan and manage time and workload to meet deadlines