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.

Language and 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.

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.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will 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 1000 words total (10%) [LOs 3, 5]

Practical assignment of 2500 words (35%) LOs 1, 3, 4, 5] requiring students to collect sociolinguistic data for analysis.

Three tutorial responses of 750 words total (15% total) [LOs 1, 2, 3, 4]

An essay of 2500 words (40%) [LOs 1, 3, 4, 5]

This course has 3 contact hours per week (lectures, tutorials and online discussions). It is expected that students will spend an additional 7 hours per week of independent study preparing assignments and doing further reading.

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

This course introduces graduate students to sociolinguistics. Students are not required to have completed any prior course before enrolling in this course.

LING1002, LING2002

Van Herk, Gerard (2012) What is Sociolinguistics? Wiley-Blackwell: Chichester, UK.

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.

None.