Language variation and change

Aims

Aims

This module is a broad introduction to sociolinguistics, with a focus on fundamental concepts and approaches involved in the study of the links between language and society. You will learn about the main ways of describing language variation, conceived primarily as variation within a single language in a speech community (e.g. social, geographical and stylistic differences in spoken English). The close parallels between this type of variation and the use of two or more languages (bilingualism) will be drawn.

Programme

Programme

Contact hours

The module is taught during the Autumn Term. There will be a weekly two hour lecture and a one hour seminar.

Teaching programme

The lectures will present material, pausing to encourage discussion as well as doing mini-tasks.

The seminars will comprise, in different weeks, further points for discussion and the presentation and discussion of set articles.

We also consider the roles of a number of concepts, such as society, social class and gender – all in the context of the speech community. The methods used in sociolinguistics, particularly language variation and change, will be introduced, and a number of key areas of the discipline will provide examples of links between linguistic and social concerns, include language ‘death’ and language shift. You will explore the distinction between sociolinguistics as a ‘way of doing linguistics’ and as a field with primarily sociological concerns.

Teaching materials

There is no set text for this module, but you are recommended to buy one of:

• Meyerhoff, Miriam (2007). Introducing sociolinguistics. Abingdon: Routledge.
• Mesthrie, R., Swann, J., Deumert, A., & Leap, W. (2009) (2nd edition). Introducing sociolinguistics. Edinburgh University Press.
• Chambers, J.K. (2002). Sociolinguistic theory: linguistic variation and its social significance (2nd edition). Oxford: Blackwell.

Assessment

Assessment

Formative assessment

• essay

Summative assessment

• 2,500 word essay