Sociolinguistics 3301-JF189
The course for BA students which focuses on language in relation to society, in particular to variables such as status, gender, age, or ethnicity. The topics discussed include varieties of language (as exemplified by English), speech as social interaction, relation between language and culture, social motivation of language change, as well as language contact. The examples used come mainly from English but also from other languages.
Topics:
- methodology of sociolinguistic research
- social and regional varieties of language
- social networks
- language and culture
- standard language
- speech as a tool of social interaction
- language and gender
- language and dialect contact
Type of course
Mode
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Acquiring knowledge
1. The student learns linguistic terminology as well as basic concepts and principles of linguistics, especially the ones from the domain of sociolinguistics
2. The student learns sociolinguistic methodology practiced in the U.S. and the U.K. and acquires the knowledge of theory construction
3. The student gets acquainted with the major trends in sociolinguistic research
4. The student learns how to use research tools and research techniques of sociolinguistics
Acquiring expertise
1. The student acquires the expertise of how to use linguistic methodology in research projects in the domain of sociolinguistics
2. The student acquires the expertise of how to construct his/her own research projects with regard to the goals, scope and methods
3. The student is able to appreciate the variety of opinions presented in subject literature and during the discussions, as well as use them as the source of inspiration and not treat them as danger to his/her own system of values
Acquiring social skills
1. The student acquires the understanding of professional standards, especially the understanding of the ever changing environment in research and as well as the understanding of the importance of continuous education.
2. The student acquires social skills and understands the need to build social ties and engage in cooperation in the effort of making the world a better place.
3. The student shows tolerance for others, s/he respects people with different cultural behaviour (especially concerning the use of language) and different opinions
Langauge at B2+ level.
Assessment criteria
Discussed material is divided into two parts, the knowledge of each is checked via the written test: mid-term and final. The final mark is an average of the two marks. Student's activity during classes is also taken under consideration.
Bibliography
Chambers, J. K. Sociolingustic Theory. 2009. Southern Gate: Blackwell Publishers Ltd.
Hudson, R.A. 2001. Sociolingustics. Cambridge: CUP.
Labov, William. 1991. Sociolinguistic Patterns. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press.
Trudgill, Peter. 1983. Sociolingustics. An Introduction to Language and Society. London/ New York: Penguin.
Trousdale, Greame. 2010. An Introduction to English Sociolinguistics. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: