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School of Literature, Languages and Linguistics · ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences
Do we see our world through the language we speak or does everyone see the world in the same way? Are all languages equal? What does it mean to speak a dialect of a language? What is language variation? How do we show our identity through language? This course surveys the main concepts and methods used to analyse language within different social settings. Concepts will be illustrated by current and topical examples. Students will also have an opportunity to observe language in its social context. Language and Society (LING6002) is important for anyone who wants to understand the way in which languages function in society. It is an introductory course designed to enable students to acquire an understanding of the different concepts and methods used to analyse language within different social settings. It provides students with the basic skills for carrying out research into language in society. Issues covered will include collecting, describing and interpreting sociolinguistic data and reporting research findings. Students will be given an opportunity to carry out their own sociolinguistic survey.
Tutorial preparation tasks, 5 x 200-400 words each (2% each for a total of 10%)
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4
Methods Report, 1000 words
Learning outcomes 3, 4
Practical Assignment, 2500 words
Learning outcomes 1, 3, 4
130 hours of total student learning time made up from: a) 36 hours of contact: 24 hours of lectures, 12 hours of tutorial. b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.
None Preliminary Reading Students will be given a full reading list at the beginning of the semester. Journals that publish sociolinguistics research include,Journal of Sociolingusitcs, Journal of Pragmatics, Language in Society.