LING2004 Language in Society

This topic explores how social factors are related to the language behaviour of speakers, including the role that language plays in reflecting social categories, from broad categories such as social class to those concerning individual identity. In this course you will also learn about and explore such topics as the nature and function of language variation, language contact and change and the development of new languages, language styles and registers, and language planning and policy.

This topic aims to:

• Develop knowledge of sociolinguistic theories and concepts
• Develop students' ability to analyse a variety of authentictexts in order to understand the role of language in society

1. Summarise and illustrate the theoretical concepts introduced during the course
2. Recognise, describe and analyse texts produced in the varieties of language discussed during the semester
3. Construct reviews of relevant literature on sociolinguistics
4. Analyse current research on sociolinguistics