LG114-4-SP-CO:
Foundations of Sociolinguistics
PLEASE NOTE: This module is inactive. Visit the Module Directory to view modules and variants offered during the current academic year.
2024/25
Language and Linguistics
Colchester Campus
Spring
Undergraduate: Level 4
Inactive
Monday 13 January 2025
Friday 21 March 2025
15
15 April 2024
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
This module provides an introduction to the role of variation in the language system, and the techniques and concepts required to study the way language varies and changes, including geographically (geographical dialect), according to social context (social dialect), and across time – that is, to the basic principles of sociolinguistics and language variation.
The aims of this module are:
- To introduce the basic concepts of language variation and change.
- To introduce the basic concepts of language variation and change.
- To address some popular myths about language.
- To investigate attitudes to language and ideologies about language.
- To introduce fundamental techniques for describing and measuring language variation (across time, region, and social category).
- To describe the social patterns and social functions of language variation.
- To illustrate the relationship of language variation to language change.
By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:
- Understand the role variation plays in language systems.
- Analyse variation in vernacular data and explain its systematic patterning.
- Approach the primary academic literature on how social categories affect language use.
- Understand how attitudes to language are intertwined with language use and structure.
- Relate synchronic variation to models of language change.
- Critically view the social functions and values of dialects and vernacular language usage.
The module will begin by defining language, dialect, and other varieties, and considering myths about language. Topics include language attitudes and ideologies; the fundamentals of measuring language variation; variation across time, regions, and social categories; social patterns and social functions of language variation; speaker variables; models and methods of studying language change; and the relationship of variation to language change.
Examples are drawn from the whole history of English dialect usage and change in the British Isles, and varieties of English worldwide. This module provides an introduction to the role of variation in the language system, and the techniques and concepts required to study the way language varies and changes, including geographically (geographical dialect), according to social context (social dialect), and across time – that is, to the basic principles of sociolinguistics and language variation. We begin by defining language, dialect, and other varieties, and considering myths about language.
Topics include language attitudes and ideologies; the fundamentals of measuring language variation; variation across time, regions, and social categories; social patterns and social functions of language variation; speaker variables; models and methods of studying language change; and the relationship of variation to language change.
Examples are drawn from the whole history of English dialect usage and change in the British Isles, and varieties of English worldwide.* the role of variation in the language system, and the techniques and concepts required;* how language varies & changes geographically, by social context & across time;* that is, the basic principles of sociolinguistics;* with a focus on English in the British Isles and worldwide.
This module will be delivered via:
- On 2-hour lecture per week.
The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's
reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Amanda Cole, email: amanda.cole@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Amanda Cole
Amanda Cole, amanda.cole@essex.ac.uk, Office: 4.123, Number: 3754
Yes
Yes
No
Dr Sam Christian D'Elia
Dr Roxanne Taylor
University of Huddersfield
Lecturer in English
Available via Moodle
Of 40 hours, 39 (97.5%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
1 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.
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