Accessibility statement

Structure of English - LAN00052C

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  • Department: Language and Linguistic Science
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
    • See module specification for other years: 2024-25

Module summary

This module introduces students to the basic linguistic structures that are at work when we communicate in English. Students will learn about the structure of English at different levels, from the sounds and sound-patterns of English, to the structure of words, phrases and sentences, and how interactions between users of English are structured and negotiated.

This module will challenge students to analyse the English language they encounter in the world around them. Students will analyse different varieties of English, and will explore how the structures of English compare to the structures of other languages.

Students will develop an understanding of the structure of English in this module, which will help them understand and appreciate the structures of other languages.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2023-24

Module aims

This module introduces students to the structure of English at different linguistic levels. The module aims:

  • to develop students’ understanding of the linguistic units of English and the linguistic terminology used to describe them;

  • to introduce students to the the linguistic methods used to identify structural units of English and the rules that determine how structural units of English are combined;

  • to introduce students to the structures of different varieties of English;

  • to contextualise the structures of English language by comparison with other languages;

  • to give students experience of analysing the structure of real-world examples of language in use.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

  • describe the sound patterns of English using appropriate linguistic notation;

  • describe the structures of words, sentences and interactions using appropriate linguistic terminology;

  • use linguistic tests to identify structural units of English;

  • describe how different structural units of English are combined to construct larger units;

  • identify structural differences between different varieties of English and/or between structures of English and structures of other languages;

  • analyse the structures of naturally occurring English spoken and written texts.

Module content

The module will introduce students to the structure of English (and Englishes) at different linguistic levels. The first part of the module will introduce students to English phonology (sounds and how they combine). Students will then learn about English morphology (word-structure and different grammatical categories of words) and syntax (how words combine to form phrases and clauses). In the final part of the module, students will explore how conversations are structured and consider how this relates to the structures they learnt about earlier in the module.

Throughout the module, students will explore how varieties of English used around the world are differently structured. Students will also compare the structures of English with the structures of other languages.

The module will focus on a different topic each week. Each week, there will be a two-hour interactive lecture during which students will learn about methods of analysing linguistic structures, and practice applying these methods of analysis to English and other languages. Students will continue hands-on linguistic analysis in weekly one-hour seminars.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 40
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) 60

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

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

Module feedback

Students will receive automatic feedback on the module tests immediately after completion of the tests. Students will receive written feedback on other summative assignments within the university mandated time limit.

Indicative reading

Börjars, K., & and Burridge, K. (2019). Introducing English grammar. Routledge.

Clift, R. (2016). Conversation Analysis. Cambridge University Press.

Eppler, E., & Ozón, G. (2013). English words and sentences: an introduction. Cambridge University Press [available as an e-book].

McMahon, A. M. S. (2001). An introduction to English phonology. 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.