ET216 - Sociolinguistics
Module name: Sociolinguistics
Why do we speak differently in different situations? Can you identify the different features of a Geordie and a Liverpool accent? Do men and women really speak differently? And what underlies these differences? In ET216 we explore questions like these as we examine the relationship between language use and social context. This course builds on the ET119 (Language in Society), but goes deeper to help you develop a greater understanding of the relationship between language use and its social context. It also provides you an opportunity to conduct your own sociolinguistic research study. After taking this module, you will be armed with a set of theories, insights and skills to be able to address questions such as those above, and explore your own questions in relation to how language works in our world.
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. 4. Develop and demonstrate your resilience and problem solving abilities. 5. Develop and demonstrate your time management and personal/project management abilities. 6. Practice your communication of complex ideas and present your work in a clear and engaging way.
Optional course, 15 Credits