Language and Society

In this course, we examine language in its social context, to answer a range of questions that are key to understanding the way language works: What does it mean to speak a dialect of a language? Are all ways of speaking equally correct? How do bilingual communities manage use of more than one language? How do we show our identity through language? How is language structured to enable it to do the social work that is necessary for interaction? We survey key concepts and methods that have been used in sociolinguistic research to answer these questions, examining language across different social contexts, and as used by different social groups. We consider Australian English, Australian Indigenous languages, as well as languages from other parts of the globe. Relevant theoretical concepts are illustrated by current and topical examples. Students have the opportunity to observe and engage in the practical application of course content through conducting their own linguistic research. Language and Society is important for anyone who wants to understand the way in which languages function in their social context. It provides students with skills for carrying out research in sociolinguistics, including collecting, describing and interpreting sociolinguistic data, such as questionnaires, sociolinguistic interviews, naturally occurring interactional data and ethnographic participant-observation. Reporting and describing research findings will also be covered.