Accessibility statement

Language & Identity - LAN00018H

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  • Department: Language and Linguistic Science
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: H
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23

Related modules

Pre-requisite modules

Co-requisite modules

  • None

Prohibited combinations

  • None

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Spring Term 2022-23 to Summer Term 2022-23

Module aims

This module explores the role of language in the construction of identities and the significance of identity construction to language variation. The concept of identity is investigated on various levels, and the focus of the course is on how these multi-levelled identities are realised through the use of language.

A variety of quantitative and ethnographic language variation case studies will be surveyed in order to illustrate the issues under investigation.

Module learning outcomes

  • have an understanding of the relationships between linguistic behaviour and identity-making and marking
  • have developed an appreciation of the diversity of theoretical, philosophical and methodological approaches to the study of language and identity
  • gaining an understanding of the role played by identity factors in language variation and change
  • have gained an understanding of the processes of identity construction at the individual, group, community and national levels
  • have worked as part of a team on an independent research project on a relevant topic of the groups choice
  • have presented the findings of the independent research project to staff and other students on the module, in a clear and comprehensible manner, using appropriate audio-visual aids

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 80
Oral presentation/seminar/exam 20

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 100

Module feedback

Feedback on formative work

Short essay (critical review of two research articles) peer assessed in the following week's seminar, using university scales and marking criteria

Immediate oral comments on seminar exercises

Assessment and feedback

Seminar presentation

Feedback: mark on university scale for group presentation, and written comments available by Monday term three week nine.

Examination

Feedback: mark on university scale available by Monday of week nine. Students will be entitled to see their exam script with comments made on it, under supervision, on an appointed date in week nine or ten of term three.

Indicative reading

Llamas, C. and Watt, D. (eds.) (2010) Language and Identities (Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press)


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.