Studying at York
Sociophonetics - LAN00044M
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Spring Term 2022-23 |
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
Knowledge outcomes
Students will gain a thorough understanding of phonetic and sociolinguistic terminology, and of the theoretical and methodological issues which underpin work in this area.
Students will gain an understanding of how various forms of data analysis inform phonological theory.
Value outcomes
Students will 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.
Behavioural outcomes
Students will become proficient at and develop competence in the following skills:
designing experimental/analytical studies;
analysing data using qualitative, quantitative and statistical methods;
graphic and statistical presentation of data;
writing professional reports, using standard types of argumentation
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 35 |
| Essay/coursework | 50 |
| Essay/coursework | 15 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 35 |
| Essay/coursework | 50 |
| Essay/coursework | 15 |
Module feedback
written feedback on summatives within 4 weeks
oral feedback in weekly labs and in tutors' open hours
Indicative reading
Essential preliminary reading:
Foulkes, P., Scobbie, J.M., & Watt, D. (2010). Sociophonetics. In Hardcastle, W.J., Laver, J. & Gibbon, F.E. (eds.) The Handbook of Phonetic Sciences, 2nd edn. Oxford: Blackwell. pp. 703-754.
Thomas, E.R. (2002). Instrumental phonetics. In Chambers, J., Trudgill, P. & Schilling-Estes, N. (eds.) The Handbook of Language Variation and Change. Oxford: Blackwell. pp. 168-200.
Recommended reading:
Chambers, J.K. (2003) Sociolinguistic Theory, 2nd edn. Oxford: Blackwell.
Foulkes, P., & Docherty, G.J. (1999, eds.). Urban Voices: Accent Studies in the British Isles. London: Arnold.
Foulkes, P. & Docherty, G.J. (2007). Phonological variation in England. In Britain, D. (ed.) Language in the British Isles. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. pp. 52-74.
Ladefoged, P. & Johnson, K. (2010). A Course in Phonetics, 6th edn. Boston, MA: Wadsworth/Cengage Learning. (esp. Chapter 8).
Milroy, L. & Gordon, M. (2003) Sociolinguistics. Method and Interpretation. Oxford: Blackwell.