Module Code - Title:
LI4212
-
LINGUISTICS 2
Year Last Offered:
2023/4
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This course is designed to serve as an introduction to basic concepts and theories in sociolinguistics. The various subfields and branches of sociolinguistics will be introduced and discussed in class lectures.
The more specific objectives of this course are:
Recognize the fundamental relationship between language and society
Use the basic terminology and concepts of sociolinguistic subfields
To acquaint you with the basic concepts necessary to pursue sociolinguistic studies further, if you wish to.
Syllabus:
The module comprises four distinct but also interrelated themes, each of which will be dealt with in sequential blocks over the twelve week module:
1. Sociolinguistics: In this first part, students will be introduced to basic concepts in sociolinguistics, including: accent, dialect, speech community.
2. Multilingualism: In this second part, students will learn about key features of multilingual societies.
3. Language and Media. In the third section, students will focus on the relationship between language and how it is used in the media.
4. Language and Gender: The final section of the module will focus on the relationship between language and gender.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
Identify variables that can affect language use and attitudes in a social context
Evaluate the basic concepts of sociolinguistics: accent, dialect, speech community, code-mixing etc.
Explain the phenomenon of language variability in relation to different social factors (age, social class, gender etc).
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:
Demonstrate a critical awareness of issues of multilingualism and language contact.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The students will first be introduced to the discipline of sociolinguistics and to the nature of the relationship between language and society. The module will then move to discussion on each of the subfields. Each week in the first lecture a new topic will be introduced, on which the students will conduct relevant exercises within the tutorial, the particular topic will be completed in the second lecture of the week
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Holmes, J. (2008)
An Introduction to Sociolinguistics. 3rd Ed.
, Edinburgh: Pearsons Educational Limited.
Wardhaugh, R. (2010)
An Introduction to Sociolinguistics
, Oxford: Blackwell.
Coupland, N. (Ed.) (2010)
The Handbook of Language and Globalization
, Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Other Relevant Texts:
Romaine, S. (2000)
Language in Society: An Introduction to Sociolinguistics
, Oxford; Oxford University Press.
Trudgill, P. (2003)
A Glossary of Sociolinguistics
, Oxford: Oxford University Press
Widdowson, H.G. (2000)
Linguistics
, Oxford: Oxford University Press
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester - Year to be First Offered:
Spring
Module Leader:
mairead.moriarty@ul.ie