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Intermediate Language Variation & Change - LAN00010I

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  • Department: Language and Linguistic Science
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: I
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24

Module summary

This module explores the types of variation and change that languages display, and the relationship between language and social factors such as age, gender, class and ethnicity. It introduces methodologies for investigating variation and change, as well as theories of why variability occurs and how languages change.

Related modules

Co-requisite modules

  • None

Prohibited combinations

  • None

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2023-24

Module aims

The specific aims of this module are:

  • to foster an awareness of the causes and parameters of variation in language, and the roles of variation in communication

  • to familiarise you with key concepts, terminology and theories in describing linguistic variation and language change

  • to introduce the methodologies used to investigate variation

  • to give you experience in handling data collected from studies of language variation

  • to give you experience of the kinds of argumentation employed in interpreting empirical data

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module students should:

  • have fostered an awareness of the causes and parameters of variation in language, and the roles of variation in communication

  • have familiarised themselves with key concepts, terminology and theories in describing linguistic variation and language change

  • have knowledge of the methodologies used to investigate variation

  • have experience in handling data collected from studies of language variation

  • have experience of the kinds of argumentation employed in interpreting empirical data

Module content

The module will explore sources of linguistic variation and processes of language change. A variety of studies will be used to exemplify concepts and theories covered.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 30
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) 70

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) 100

Module feedback

Students will receive written feedback on their assessments within the Feedback Turnaround Time of 25 days.

Indicative reading

Chambers, J.K. and Natalie Schilling (eds) (2013) The Handbook of Language Variation and Change (2nd ed.). Oxford: Blackwell.

Chambers, J.K. & Schilling, Natalie (eds) (2nd edition 2013) Handbook of Language Variation and Change. (Oxford: Blackwell)

Llamas, Carmen, Louise Mullany and Peter Stockwell (eds) (2007) The Routledge Companion to Sociolinguistics. London: Routledge.



The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.