Sociophonetics - LAN00044M
Module summary
This module enables students to develop practical skills in the study of sociophonetic variation and change.
Related modules
Additional information
Semester 1 prerequisites - Phonetics & Phonology OR Advanced Phonetics AND/OR Language Variation and Change.
Module will run
Occurrence | Teaching period |
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A | Semester 2 2025-26 |
Module aims
This module enables students to develop practical skills in the study of phonological variation and change, focusing on auditory and acoustic analysis of various English dialects. Theoretical and methodological issues will be discussed in the light of data analysed.
Students will also be introduced to experimental and basic statistical methods for investigating sound structure and sound change.
Module learning outcomes
By the end of the module students will:
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gain a thorough understanding of phonetic and sociolinguistic terminology, and of the theoretical and methodological issues which underpin this field.
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gain an understanding of how various forms of data analysis inform phonological theory and applied fields such as forensic speech science.
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develop experience of the practical problems involved in data-centred work, learning to consider alternative analyses of aspects of the data, and exploring the theoretical implications of those alternatives.
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Become proficient at and develop competence in:
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designing experimental/analytical studies
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analysing data using qualitative, quantitative and statistical methods
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graphic and statistical presentation of data
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writing professional reports, using standard argumentation.
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Module content
This module involves a combination of lecture-style teaching and lab-based practical tasks.
Indicative assessment
Task | % of module mark |
---|---|
Essay/coursework | 30 |
Essay/coursework | 70 |
Special assessment rules
None
Indicative reassessment
Task | % of module mark |
---|---|
Essay/coursework | 30 |
Essay/coursework | 70 |
Module feedback
Feedback given weekly in lab sessions and office hours.
Assessment feedback given in line with University guidelines
Indicative reading
Di Paolo, M. & Yaeger-Dror, M. (eds.)(2010) Sociophonetics: A Student’s Guide. London: Routledge.
Kendall, T. & Fridland, V. (2021). Sociophonetics. Cambridge University Press.
Thomas, E.R. (2011) Sociophonetics: An Introduction. London: Palgrave Macmillan.