Introduction to Multilingualism 3223-AMMS-IM
The course objective is to introduce students to the multifaceted field of multilingualism in light of the growing influence of processes of globalisation and super-diversity. In this course we will highlight and analyse multilingual speech communities and examine language choice patterns in these communities with reference to current language policies and ideologies. We will also look at the phenomenon of multilingualism from different angles: education, family, society, etc. Last but not least, socio-economic, cognitive and linguistic advantages stemming from the phenomenon of multilingualism in multilingual global and super-diverse contexts will be highlighted. To the extent possible, students will interact with agents of multilingualism in communities and engage in small-scale empirical research related to multilingualism.
Topics
Introduction to the course: overview, requirements, assignments
Historical perspectives of language contact
Patterns of societal multilingualism: Ukraine, Switzerland, Singapore, Hong Kong and China, South
Africa, Nigeria
Old and new linguistic minorities
Individual multilingualism
The interplay between individual and societal multilingualism
Revitalization of endangered languages
Flexible vs. fixed multilingualism
Mother-tongue education or literacy bridges?
Heritage language education
Multilingual language competence and use
Institutional discourses on language and migration
Media representations of multilingualism
Multilingual education and literacies
Final assessment
Type of course
Mode
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Knowledge: the graduate knows and understands:
-at an advanced level conceptual and terminological apparatus in the field of multilingualism and multiculturalism
-at an advanced level main directions of development and the most important achievements in the area of multilingualism and multiculturalism
-at an advanced level contemporary research trends in the field of multilingualism and multiculturalism
-the latest research methodology used in the field of multilingualism and multiculturalism
-relations between language and culture and religion sciences as well as sociology
Skills: the graduate is able to:
-prepare written works in the field of multilingualism and multiculturalism in English (including works bearing the features of a scientific text)
-search, analyse and utilise information using available sources
-recognize different genres of texts and conduct their in-depth analysis and interpretation using various methods
-argue substantively using the views of other authors and formulate conclusions
-integrate knowledge relevant to multilingualism and multiculturalism
-independently develop and give an oral presentation on a selected topic in the field of multilingualism and multiculturalism using source literature
-formulate, analyse and synthesise research problems in the field of multilingualism and multiculturalism and select adequate methods and tools to solve these problems, present the developed issues using various forms and methods
-work independently and in a group to acquire knowledge and develop research skills in the field of multilingualism and multiculturalism
-use the English language in speech and writing compliant with the requirements set out for the B2+ level according to CEFR
Assessment criteria
Assessment
Attendance: 10%
Participation: 20%
Final Assignment: 70%
Marking/ grading scale:
over 91% – 5
90%-81% – 4+
80%-71% – 4
70%-61% – 3+
60%- 51% – 3
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: