MOOC 2021 - An Introduction to Sociolinguistics: Accents, Attitudes and Identity

Posted on 17 June 2021

Launching the third edition of the department’s highly popular online learning course in sociolinguistics

On Monday 12th July 2021, the Department of Language and Linguistic Science will launch the third run of the free-to-access massive open online course (MOOC) An Introduction to Sociolinguistics: Accents, Attitudes and Identity on the platform FutureLearn. This follows on from the success of the first run in 2019, and the second run in 2020 which had over 3,500 active learners in 120+ countries.

The MOOC focuses on sociolinguistic research into accent variation and language attitudes, covering topics including regional accent variation, sociolinguistic methods for investigating language attitudes, and accent bias in the workplace, courtroom and classroom. The course draws upon sociolinguistic research both within and outside the department, including recent research projects funded by the Economic and Social Research Council: The Use and Utility of Localised Speech Forms in Determining Identity and Accent Bias Britain.

LLS staff Dr Claire Childs, Dr Dominic Watt and Dr Sam Hellmuth, and PhD students in Linguistics in the department, Sarah Lapacz and Heather Turner, will facilitate the MOOC for the first four weeks after launch in July 2021.

“We’re delighted to be facilitating the MOOC again on its third run this summer. In its previous runs, I have thoroughly enjoyed engaging with such a wide range of people from around the world who are interested in language variation.” - Dr Claire Childs, Dept. Language and Linguistic Science, University of York

I’ve never met anyone who isn’t interested in language in some way or another, and although it’s really gratifying to see how many participants have signed up for the last two outings of our MOOC it’s also no surprise to us that it’s attracted so many committed and enthusiastic learners. I’ve hugely enjoyed my role as facilitator on the course, whether I’ve been answering questions from learners who are completely new to the subject, or engaging in discussions with more experienced ones. I’ve learned a great deal about language and language attitudes from our participants. Looking forward to being involved in MOOC edition number three! - Dr Dominic Watt, Dept. Language and Linguistic Science, University of York

To sign up for six weeks’ free access: MOOC sign up portal

Developing the MOOC was funded by the York Impact Accelerator Fund in 2018-19 and 2019-20:

‘Re-framing linguistic research to enhance practice in secondary education: Focus on language attitudes’ (2018-19); PI: Dr Sam Hellmuth; Co-Is: Dr Claire Childs and Prof. Carmen Llamas; MOOC Research Assistant: Dr Sarah Kelly.

‘Re-framing linguistic research to enhance secondary education: Consolidation’ (2019-20); PI: Claire Childs; Co-Is: Dr Sam Hellmuth and Prof. Carmen Llamas; MOOC Research Assistants: Sarah Lapacz and Vicki Noble.