Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

no

Co Requisite Comment

no

Aims

This module provides an introduction to the linguistic subfield of sociolinguistics, with particular emphasis on how this relates to the English language. 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 develops data analysis skills in two ways:
•It gives hands-on experience in sociolinguistic fieldwork techniques, with particular emphasis on the sociolinguistic interview, as well as coding and analyzing sociolinguistic data.
•It further develops quantitative reasoning skills by adding basic inferential statistics to the analytical toolkit and exploring 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

Rationale and Relationship to Learning Outcomes

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 will, therefore, focus on problem-solving/numeracy. They also aim to enhance interpretation of sociolinguistic approaches to language and society, improve oral presentation and build team-work. Fieldwork projects will also be planned and developed in seminars.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

1. Problem solving exercises prepare students for the quantitative analysis part of the Portfolio.
2. The Reflective Log Assignment gives students hands-on experience in ethically collecting Tyneside or Northumbrian English data.
3. The Portfolio assesses both quantitative and qualitative data analysis skills.

Since this is primarily an information-led module at PG level, the most suitable method of assessment is by means of submitted work testing independent learning ability as well as written communication skills; analytical/problem solving skills; critical thinking/conceptual understanding/knowledge and ability to construct a logical argument.

General Notes

N/A