Languages in Contact

The majority of the world’s population live in social settings where more than one language is spoken, with many people speaking more than one language themselves. This course explores the linguistic processes and outcomes of such settings. We consider contexts of long-standing bi- and multilingualism as well as contexts in which bi- and multilingualism arise, for example due to immigration, colonisation and trade. We examine phenomena such as code-switching, borrowing of vocabulary, adaptation of linguistic structure, language shift, and the creation of new languages. Students are introduced to theories and models of language contact and learn how to use them to critically analyse and understand linguistic data from both synchronic and diachronic perspectives. The course will consider a range of settings from across the world, including Indigenous Australia, the Asia-Pacific and beyond.