Varieties of English 3301-JF2717-1ST
The course provides an overview of selected accents and dialects of modern English. It includes the explanation of basic terminology used in dialectology as well as description of standard dialects, which are used as a reference for discussing regional and non-standard varieties of modern English. The description of English varieties includes phonological, grammatical, and lexical characteristics, with a special focus placed on differences in pronunciation.
Topics:
1. Basic terminology in dialectology; dialects vs accents; geographical and social aspects of language variation.
2. Standard dialect; Received Pronunciation (RP).
3. Varieties of English in the south of England: Cockney, London Popular Accent, Estuary English; East Anglia, the West Country.
4. Varieties of English in the Midlands and in the north of England: Birmingham, Liverpool, Newcastle; general differences between accents of the north and the south of England.
5. Varieties of English in the Celtic Countries: Scottish, Irish, and Welsh English.
6. Differences between British and American English: pronunciation, spelling, vocabulary, grammar.
7. American English and its varieties: General American, Southern American English; the accent of New York City and the phenomenon of Northern Cities Chain Shift; African American Vernacular English; Canadian English.
8. Australian and New Zealand English.
9. Other Englishes (optional topic): Indian English.
Course coordinators
Type of course
Mode
Learning outcomes
Knowledge
The student has familiarity with:
- K_W01 advanced terminology, theory and research methods corresponding to the state of the art in the discipline of linguistics related to the regional varieties of English, in accordance with their chosen specialization (and educational path) within the domain of English Studies
- K_W09 concepts and principles concerning the protection of intellectual property and copyright
Abilities
The student is able to:
- K_U01 apply advanced terminology, theory and research methods corresponding to the state of the art in the discipline of linguistics related to the regional varieties of English, in accordance with their chosen specialization (and educational path) within the domain of English Studies
- K_U09 apply the concepts and principles of intellectual property protection and copyright law
Social competences
The student is ready to:
- K_K01 critically appraise their knowledge and content obtained from various sources
- K_K02 recognize the importance of knowledge in solving cognitive and practical problems; consult experts when required
Study programme 2022/2023:
Knowledge
The student is able to:
- K_W02 discuss key terminology, well established methods and theories of linguistics, literary studies and culture studies within English studies
- K_W03 describe methodology and recent developments in English linguistics
- K_W05 list and discuss the characteristics of English grammar, syntax, phonology, phonetics, morphology and pragmatics on an advanced level
- K_W07 explain principles of designing linguistic studies, with special focus on selecting appropriate methods and tools in formulating research questions and testing research hypotheses
Abilities
The student is able to:
- K_U01 employ the terminology and methodological tools from linguistics, literary studies and culture studies
- K_U02 employ the methodology of linguistics within English studies, respecting the ethical norms and copyright law
- K_U04 implement knowledge to describe a problem and identify means to solve it, thereby completing a project in linguistics
- K_U11 design one’s own development
Social competences
The student is ready to:
- K_K02 undertake life-long learning and personal development, applying skills and competences to select subjects and projects optimally suiting one’s personal interests
- K_K03 value responsibility for one’s own work and respect the work of others, adhering to the professional and ethical norms in various projects and other activities undertaken at work, voluntary services, etc.
Assessment criteria
Final grade is based on two written tests that take place during the semester (midterm and final test).
Bibliography
1. Cruttenden, Alan. (2014). Gimson's Pronunciation of English. London, New York: Routledge.
2. Hughes, Arthur, Trudgill, Peter, & Dominic Watt. (2012). English Accents and Dialects: An introduction to social and regional varieties of English in the British Isles. London: Hodder Education.
3. Kortmann, Bernd & Clive Upton. Varieties of English. (2008). Vol.1-4. Berlin: Mouton de Gruyter.
4. Trudgill, Peter & Jean Hannah. (2017). International English: A Guide to Varieties of English Around the World. London, New York: Routledge.
5. Wells, J.C. 1982. Accents of English. Vol. 1-3. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Notes
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Term 2026Z:
Three absences are allowed. |