Introduction to SociolinguisticsLaajuus (5 cr)

Objective

Learning outcomes: On completion of the study unit the successful student will be able to: - Define the concept of sociolinguistic study and its relationships with other branches of linguistics. - Understand various sub-fields and methods of sociolinguistic investigation and the most important applications of sociolinguistic enquiry. - Define and reflect on present-day bi/multilingualism using sociolinguistic terminology. - Describe some of the models of linguistic change. - Understand the social meaning of extralinguistic variables (e.g. age, sex and gender, social background, social networks, and identity). This course develops the following work life skills: - Meaning-making, holistic management capability, information retrieval, presentation skills, language skills, reliability and punctuality, country and culture specialization, intercultural skills. Generic competences: internationality, sustainability and responsibility, critical thinking, identification and development of expertise, interaction and communication

Content

This course is an introduction to sociolinguistics, the study of the relationship between language and society. We will discuss several of the topics that sociolinguists have studied, including language variation and change, the relationships between social identity and language use, linguistic diversity, and bilingualism/multilingualism. We will also examine some of the methods for collecting and analyzing data that researchers in the field of sociolinguistics have used.

Qualifications

Basic studies in English language and culture or equivalent

Materials

Meyerhoff, Miriam. 2019. Introducing Sociolinguistics. 3rd Edition. London: Routledge.

Further information

Teachers: Lectures, university teachers, professor Time: 3rd–5th year (periods 1 and 2) Offering data: English language and culture (advanced studies), also MDP in Linguistic Sciences. Key words: Sociolinguistics, bi/multilingualism, language variation and change. Campus: Joensuu Further information: Language of tuition: English.

Execution methods

Lectures, hands-on exercises (spoken presentation, a final essay).

Accomplishment methods

Modes of study: Lectures and exercises (24h), independent work (111h). 80% attendance required. Evaluation criteria: A written final exam or a final essay (circa 1,500 words).