Do we see our world through the language we speak or does everyone see the world in the same way? Are all languages equal? What does it mean to speak a dialect of a language? What is language variation? How do we show our identity through language? This course surveys the main concepts and methods used to analyse language within different social settings. Concepts will be illustrated by current and topical examples. Students will also have an opportunity to observe language in its social context.

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

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

Students will be assessed for participating in weekly tutorials (10%) and in weekly wiki discussions (25%).The practical assignment in which students collect sociolinguistic survey data (30%) is due in Week 10. A final exam (35%) will be held during the exam period. Passing of the course is conditional on students passing all assessment items.

This course has two lectures per week plus a weekly tutorial, commencing in Week 2. Students can expect to undertake 5-6 hours of study per week outside of class time.

Students can take this course without any prior pre-requisites.

None.

LING2002 Language and Society

Students might find it helpful to take Introduction to the Study of Language LING1001 or Cross Cultural Communication LING2021 first.

Mesthrie, R et al. (2009) Introducing Sociolinguistics. 2nd Ed. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.

None.

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 a course blog), no special equipment is required to access materials to complete the course.

This class shares lectures with later year students LING2002 and graduate students LING6002. However, there will be separate tutorials.