LING20060 World Englishes

Academic Year 2020/2021

This module explores the social and linguistic nature of contemporary English. It examines the social, political and cultural role(s) of English in different societies and the social, political and cultural forces that have conditioned and continue to sustain the spread of English around the world. The module also considers the effects that this spread has on the languages and cultures of the world, the structure and use of the English language, including traditional norms and practices. In terms of the linguistic aspects, the module discusses the range of variation that exists in contemporary varieties of English on all levels of grammar (phonology, morphology, syntax, pragmatics, sociolinguistics) and the linguistic processes that have brought about this diversity. The module focuses on internationally 'lesser' known varieties of English as well as on widely used varieties of English. The social and linguistic explorations will function as a basis for critically assessing current models of English and teaching and learning approaches. This module forms part of the BA programme for Linguistics.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

Critically explore: - the diversity in English as a particular instance of the diversity in language- the historical, social and linguistic processes that condition the contemporary nature of the language- the social and linguistic effects that English (as a dominant language) has on the linguistic makeup of specific regions and the structure of other languages - the methods for describing linguistic varieties.
Apply linguistic concepts to the holistic description of specific varieties of English and their context of use.
Critically assess - common (lay) assumptions about language based on an indepth analysis of the linguistic and social nature of one specific language (English) - current educational and political responses to the dominance of English
Analyse the relationship between linguistic variability and social identity

Indicative Module Content:

Variation and diversity in language, language and society, language policies, International English, Teaching approaches to English, the structure of English, language and identity

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24

Specified Learning Activities

20

Autonomous Student Learning

56

Total

100

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The module combines a number of different teaching approaches:
face-to-face lectures,
group work,
group and plenary discussions
group and individual activity-based learning
critical reflection of data sets/scenarios
 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

at least one introductory module in linguistics


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Continuous Assessment: several assignments on the VLE Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

10

Group Project: Several shorter exercises on the issues discussed in class to be carried out in class including a brief groups writeup of the results Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

30

Project: discussion of the historical, social and linguistic properties of one variety of English; to be done individually Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

60


Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment
• Peer review activities

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

All continuous assessment assignments, group and individual assignments, that are submitted during the term will be returned to students with comments. In addition, comments will be provided to the whole class on commonly occurring issues via the Bright Space announcement function and orally in class. Students will also be encouraged to raise issues on assessment in class and in tutorials. The aim is to help students identify where and how their work can be improved. Students receive several assignments for completion during the semester and the feedback on each assignment is designed to support work on subsequent assignments. Feedback on the final exam has to be sought individually by students.