Intermediate Language Variation & Change - LAN00010I
Module summary
This module explores the types of variation and change that languages display, and the relationship between language and social factors such as age, gender, class and ethnicity. It introduces methodologies for investigating variation and change, as well as theories of why variability occurs and how languages change.
Related modules
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 2 2023-24 |
Module aims
The specific aims of this module are:
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to foster an awareness of the causes and parameters of variation in language, and the roles of variation in communication
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to familiarise you with key concepts, terminology and theories in describing linguistic variation and language change
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to introduce the methodologies used to investigate variation
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to give you experience in handling data collected from studies of language variation
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to give you experience of the kinds of argumentation employed in interpreting empirical data
Module learning outcomes
By the end of the module students should:
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have fostered an awareness of the causes and parameters of variation in language, and the roles of variation in communication
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have familiarised themselves with key concepts, terminology and theories in describing linguistic variation and language change
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have knowledge of the methodologies used to investigate variation
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have experience in handling data collected from studies of language variation
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have experience of the kinds of argumentation employed in interpreting empirical data
Module content
The module will explore sources of linguistic variation and processes of language change. A variety of studies will be used to exemplify concepts and theories covered.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 30 |
| Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) | 70 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled) | 100 |
Module feedback
Students will receive written feedback on their assessments within the Feedback Turnaround Time of 25 days.
Indicative reading
Chambers, J.K. and Natalie Schilling (eds) (2013) The Handbook of Language Variation and Change (2nd ed.). Oxford: Blackwell.
Chambers, J.K. & Schilling, Natalie (eds) (2nd edition 2013) Handbook of Language Variation and Change. (Oxford: Blackwell)
Llamas, Carmen, Louise Mullany and Peter Stockwell (eds) (2007) The Routledge Companion to Sociolinguistics. London: Routledge.