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Sociolinguistics - LAN00010I

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  • Department: Language and Linguistic Science
  • Module co-ordinator: Prof. Carmen Llamas
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: I
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Related modules

Pre-requisite modules

Co-requisite modules

  • None

Prohibited combinations

  • None

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2024-25

Module aims

The specific aims of this module are:

  • to foster an awareness of the causes and parameters of variation in language, and the roles of variation in communication

  • to familiarise you with key concepts, terminology and theories in describing linguistic variation and language change

  • to introduce the methodologies used to investigate variation

  • to give you experience in handling data collected from studies of language variation

  • 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:

  • have fostered an awareness of the causes and parameters of variation in language, and the roles of variation in communication

  • have familiarised themselves with key concepts, terminology and theories in describing linguistic variation and language change

  • have knowledge of the methodologies used to investigate variation

  • have experience in handling data collected from studies of language variation

  • 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.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Summative essay		 N/A 30
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled)
OPEN1B : Sociolinguistics		 4 hours 70

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Online Exam -less than 24hrs (Centrally scheduled)
Reassessment: Intermediate Language Variation & Change		 4 hours 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.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.