Newcastle University

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module builds on the knowledge of language variation & change and data analysis skills obtained in SEL1032 in order to develop a fuller understanding of sociolinguistics. It introduces this domain of linguistics from two perspectives:
•Microsociolinguistics, the study of language variation and change at the level of individuals, groups, and communities. With particular emphasis on the framework of variationist sociolinguistics, the module explores how linguistic variation is influenced by societal factors like social class and ethnicity.
•Macrosociolinguistics, the study of language at the societal level. With particular emphasis on the sociology of language, the module explores how society shapes broader linguistic outcomes like language maintenance or shift, language endangerment, and the development of pidgins and creoles.
This module refines data analysis skills by further developing quantitative reasoning skills. It adds basic inferential statistics to the analytical toolkit and explores how these are used to refine and test linguistic hypotheses.

Outline Of Syllabus

Two major themes are addressed:
•Language variation and change within individuals and speech communities
•Societal influences on and attitudes toward language status
Specific topics include:
•The variationist paradigm
•Key patterns of language-external influences on language variation and change
•Sociolinguistic fieldwork methods
•Language attitudes and ideologies
•Outcomes of language contact

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

At the end of this module students will:
•Utilize tools and principles of the variationist paradigm at all stages of sociolinguistic analysis
•Apply understanding of the manner in which speech communities use linguistic variables to mark a range of social indices to new data
•Critically analyze popular views of linguistic and dialectal diversity from the perspective of sociolinguistic theory
•Critically evaluate positions on macrosociolinguistic outcomes, particularly those involving English and language varieties it is in contact with
•Be able to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of selected sociolinguistic research methods

Intended Skill Outcomes

At the end of the module, students should be able to:
•Collect, code and transcribe vernacular data (with due regard for ethical concerns).
•Quantitatively analyze data using basic inferential statistics
•Interpret quantitative and qualitative research findings
•Produce visualizations of quantitative data
•Report research findings using field-appropriate terminology and writing style
•Orally argue a position coherently and concisely
•Critically discuss the work of linguistic scholars

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

LECTURES: Will be used, primarily, to impart information and provide overall coherence for the module.

SEMINARS: Will be used, primarily, to build skills in linguistic analysis and examine concepts in depth.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

-The formative problem solving exercises prepare students for the quantitative analysis in Portfolio 1.
-Reflective log 1 is required to give students hands-on experience in sociolinguistic fieldwork that will be relevant to future independent research.
-The Portfolio assignment is required to assess an understanding of data collection/analysis skills, written communication skills; analytical/problem solving skills; critical thinking/conceptual understanding/knowledge and ability to construct a logical argument.

General Notes

N/A