Module Directory

This module introduces students to transcription of typical English (and non-English) sounds in languages commonly spoken in the UK, using broad (phonemic) and narrow (phonetic) transcription, including awareness of accent differences. This module also introduces students to the analysis of language morphosyntax, including awareness of dialectal differences, bilingual syntax, and relevant sociolinguistic topics.

The aims of this module are:

• To develop your understanding of several components of language (phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax);


• To train you to transcribe speech and conduct the morphosyntactic analysis;


• To develop awareness of variation in language and the impact of standard language ideologies; and


• To develop the understanding of bilingual syntax (code-switching and translanguaging).

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Describe the core components of language (phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax).


2. Transcribe speech sounds using the International Phonetic Alphabet.


3. Analyse morphosyntax.


4. Inspect and explain the sociolinguistic environment in their analyses of language.


5. Understand the core of bilingual syntax.


6. Identify high frequency syntactic and phonetic features of languages commonly spoken in the UK.

Complementary learning or prior knowledge

No prior knowledge or skills in phonetics and linguistics are required.

Professional body requirements

In order to meet accreditation requirements, students will be required to pass this module.

Syllabus information

The subjects covered in this module will include:

• Speech and spelling


• Consonants (place and manner of articulation)


• Vowels


• Syllables, stress, weak forms, accent


• Phonemes, allophones, minimal pairs


• Morphology and morphological processes


• Parts of speech, constituency, and phrase structure rules


• Code-switching and translanguaging


• Standard language ideology, raciolinguistics, crip linguistics

Overview:

This module will provide opportunities for interactive learning through phonetics and linguistics classes and tutorials. The emphasis will be to support your development of phonetics and linguistics skills, enabling later analysis of speech and language difficulties. You will be able to develop phonetics and linguistics skills through a variety of learning opportunities (outlined below).

Lecture/classroom-based:

Core concepts related to the transcription of speech sounds and analysis of morphosyntax, and relevant sociolinguistic topics will be introduced in phonetics and linguistics classes.

Independent study:

Learning will take place within learner-led small groups and individual study.

Technology-Enhanced Learning:

You will be expected to use online library facilities. A module Moodle page will support your learning on this module through a variety of activities and resources for self-study and revision.

Tutorial/seminar-based:

Small group tutorials are used extensively for student-led phonetics and linguistics self-study, particularly in relation to skills development. These sessions are very practical in design and involve phonetics and morphosyntax, analysis and performance. Occasional support by the lecturers will be provided in these sessions (but note that these sessions are exclusively student-led).

Skills-based and simulated practice:

You will be supported in developing your skills in areas such as analysis of morphosyntax and transcription of speech.

Students are expected to undertake the reading before classes and be prepared to engage in discussion.