Aims

To develop systematic knowledge of Latin America as a multilingual region

To develop critical insights into the role that language diversity plays in Latin American cultural,
social and political life

To introduce appropriate theoretical approaches to the study of language in society

To introduce appropriate theoretical approaches to the study of language as a cultural phenomenon

To further understanding of the roles of race, gender and ethnicity in shaping Latin American society,
from the perspective of linguistic diversity

To further develop skills of argumentation and presentation, in speaking and writing

To become familiarised with a broad range of bibliographic and on-line sources for the achievement of
these aims

Outline Of Syllabus

Using a combination of sociolinguistic and anthropological approaches, the module examines cultural diversity in contemporary Latin America with special focus on the role of language. We explore multilingualism as a cultural and social phenomenon, as it affects the lives of individuals, on the one hand, and the relationship between State and society, on the other hand. Contact between Spanish and Portuguese and Amerindian languages (eg.Quechua, Aymara, Guaraní, Nahuatl) arising in colonial and postcolonial settings, produces hybrid forms of language that express mixed cultural identities and history. Furthermore, indigenous movements, non-governmental organisations, and government ministries, all have a stake in how multilingualism is managed: language policy underpins political agendas and education programmes, for example. Pulling these perspectives together, we note that people’s attitudes towards language and identity at the grassroots, and state-led strategies for managing multilingualism, are often at odds. Theories of the relationship between language,identity, culture, politics, and society, will be related to Latin American cases of language contact, co-existence and conflict.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The mix of lectures, seminars, and drop-in/surgery sessions will allow for imparting of key information, learning of critical analytical skills through textual study and application of knowledge through guided research to be presented as group work in class.

There will be practical and interactive present-in-person sessions with short and focused structured lectured materials and longer seminars to delve into the materials. Methodologically, shorter content materials in the lectures work better among students as they maintain attention and they are more accessible and manageable. Learning outcomes will not be altered and students will be able to meet those outcomes in a more effective and participatory way.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The assessed mid-semester written exercise in class provides opportunity for students to engage critically with the course material and to study other literature on the subject, apart from getting early feedback. It also gives them the chance to demonstrate understanding of sociolinguistic and social science concepts and the ability to structure an argument in writing and prepare for the final essay.