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Sociophonetics - LAN00044M

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  • Department: Language and Linguistic Science
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Module summary

This module enables students to develop practical skills in the study of sociophonetic variation and change.

Related modules

Pre-requisite modules

Co-requisite modules

  • None

Prohibited combinations

  • None

Additional information

Semester 1 prerequisites - Phonetics & Phonology OR Advanced Phonetics AND/OR Language Variation and Change.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2024-25

Module aims

This module enables students to develop practical skills in the study of phonological variation and change, focusing on auditory and acoustic analysis of various English dialects. Theoretical and methodological issues will be discussed in the light of data analysed.

Students will also be introduced to experimental and basic statistical methods for investigating sound structure and sound change.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module students will:

  • gain a thorough understanding of phonetic and sociolinguistic terminology, and of the theoretical and methodological issues which underpin this field.

  • gain an understanding of how various forms of data analysis inform phonological theory and applied fields such as forensic speech science.

  • develop experience of the practical problems involved in data-centred work, learning to consider alternative analyses of aspects of the data, and exploring the theoretical implications of those alternatives.

  • Become proficient at and develop competence in:

    • designing experimental/analytical studies

    • analysing data using qualitative, quantitative and statistical methods

    • graphic and statistical presentation of data

    • writing professional reports, using standard argumentation.

Module content

This module involves a combination of lecture-style teaching and lab-based practical tasks.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 30
Essay/coursework 70

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 30
Essay/coursework 70

Module feedback

Feedback given weekly in lab sessions and office hours.

Assessment feedback given in line with University guidelines

Indicative reading

Di Paolo, M. & Yaeger-Dror, M. (eds.)(2010) Sociophonetics: A Student’s Guide. London: Routledge.

Kendall, T. & Fridland, V. (2021). Sociophonetics. Cambridge University Press.

Thomas, E.R. (2011) Sociophonetics: An Introduction. London: Palgrave Macmillan.


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.