Methods in Language Variation & Change - LAN00006H
- Department: Language and Linguistic Science
- Credit value: 20 credits
- Credit level: H
-
Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
- See module specification for other years: 2023-24
Module summary
In this module, you will develop research skills for studying sociolinguistic phenomena, and particularly language variation and change. This course will walk you through the process of carrying out a sociolinguistic study, from the logic of selecting a variable to study through to data analysis.
Related modules
Additional information
With respect to prerequisites the following modules are equivalent:
Second year modules
-
Intermediate Language Variation and Change, Sociolinguistics
Module will run
Occurrence | Teaching period |
---|---|
A | Semester 1 2024-25 |
Module aims
This module will allow you to undertake a research project of your own devising. In doing this you will have the opportunity to develop your research abilities, including the formulation of research questions and data elicitation and analysis techniques. The module will develop your skills in working independently. It will also further your time management skills. These are skills which are essential in most professional roles.
Module learning outcomes
On completion of this module, you should be able to:
-
frame a set of research questions in the context of relevant literature
-
apply basic principles of research design
-
conduct data collection and analysis
-
present quantitative summaries of data effectively
-
manage some basic statistical techniques
-
manage the workload on an independent research project
Module content
The course will be very 'hands on'. Much of your work for the course will be done in seminars and in partial collaboration with your classmates.
Indicative assessment
Task | % of module mark |
---|---|
Essay/coursework | 80 |
Oral presentation/seminar/exam | 20 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
Task | % of module mark |
---|---|
Essay/coursework | 100 |
Module feedback
Students will receive written feedback on their assessments within the Feedback Turnaround Time of 25 days.
Indicative reading
Holmes, J. and Hazen, K. (2013) Research Methods in Sociolinguistics: a practical guide. Oxford: Wiley Blackwell.
Mallinson, C., Childs, B. and Van Herk, G. (2013) Data Collection in Sociolinguistics: Methods and applications. New York: Routledge.
Milroy, L. and Gordon, M., (2003) Sociolinguistics: Method and Interpretation. Oxford: Blackwell. [e-book]
Tagliamonte, S. (2006) Analysing Sociolinguistic Variation. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.