Language in Society (LING6002) is important for anyone who wants to understand the way in which languages function in society. It is an introductory course designed to enable students to acquire an understanding of the different concepts and methods used to analyse language within different social settings. It provides students with the basic skills for carrying out research into language in society. Issues covered will include collecting, describing and interpreting sociolinguistic data and reporting research findings. Students will be given an opportunity to carry out their own sociolinguistic survey.

Language in Society (LING6002) can be undertaken either as a single course or as an elective course towards the Graduate Diploma in Applied Linguistics, Master of Applied Linguistics, Graduate Diploma of Linguistics, Master of Arts (Linguistics), Graduate Diploma in Translation Studies, Master of Translation Studies, Graduate Certificate in Applied Japanese Linguistics.

This course is compulsory for graduate students who wish to undertake further research (thesis or sub-thesis) in the area of sociolinguistics. It is recommended for graduate students who wish to undertake further research in applied linguistics. Students should consult with the convenor of Linguistics or Applied Linguistics or their potential supervisor as to whether or not they are required to take the course.

On satisfying the expectations of the course, you should be able to

1. Assess the ways in which speakers use linguistic choices to communicate social meaning, such as age, gender, social network, socio-economic status.
2. Work in small groups to explain issues related to language and society.
3. Critically evaluate various sociolinguistic theories and research.
4. Think about, write and present an argument using evidence and results from sociolinguistic research.
5. Critically evaluate recent articles in contemporary sociolinguistic journals.

Two critical summaries of 1000 words in total (5% each) requiring students to critically evaluate 2 recent articles from contemporary sociolinguistic journals; practical assignment of 2000 words (25%) requiring students to collect sociolinguistic data for analysis; weekly wiki discussions (25%) and an essay of 3000 words (40%). Passing of the course is conditional on students passing all assessment items.

This course has 3 contact hours per week (lectures and tutorials). Students are also expected to attend seminars within the linguistics and applied linguistics program to increase their understanding of sociolinguistics and applied linguistics.

In addition to the required contact hours (lectures, tutorials and seminars) it is expected that students will spend an additional 8-10 hours per week on this course.

Mesthrie, R et al. (eds) (2009) Introducing Sociolinguistics. 2nd Ed. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press. Students are advised not buy the text book without initially consulting the lecturer.

Meyerhoff, Miriam (2006) Introducing Sociolinguistics, Routledge, London.

Students will be given a full reading list at the beginning of the semester. Journals that publish sociolinguistics research include,Journal of Sociolingusitcs, Journal of Pragmatics, Language in Society.

Other than normal internet access (to access Wattle and the course blog), no special equipment is required to access materials to complete the course.

Prerequisite: There is no prerequisite (although students are advised to take Introduction to the Study of Language (LING6001) or Cross-cultural Communication (LING6021) first).

This class is co-taught with undergraduate students LING1002 and LING2002. However, LING6002 students have separate tutorials.