Sociolinguistics (Level 6)

• Credit value: 15 credits at Level 6
• Convenor: Dr Jackie Jia Lou
• Assessment: a 2500-3000-word essay (100%)

In this module we consider the theories and evidence of how language is represented in society and interacts with social categories. You will gain an understanding of how we learn about language and society from research on monolingual and plurilingual situations and different social categories defined by gender, class/status and age.

You will also develop your knowledge of current theories of sociolinguistics and appreciate the methodological issues which concern - and sometimes divide - sociolinguists.

Indicative syllabus

• Language, dialects and varieties
• Sociolinguistic variation
• Languages in contact
• Pragmatics
• Ethnography of communication
• Conversation analysis
• Critical discourse analysis
• Language policy and planning
• Language ideology