Department of English

Fundamental

Coefficient: 3

Credit: 4

1h30 (course)

1h30 (TD)

ü  The course focuses on the relationship between language and society. It looks at why language users speak differently in different contexts, and how language is used at both micro and macro levels to convey social meanings and construct social identities.

Learning Outcomes:

ü  Students will develop awareness about language variation and its distinct types.

ü  Students will be able to analyze the ways in which social, psychological and sociopolitical factors affect language use.

ü  Students will have the opportunity to develop an interest in language variation and research in sociolinguistics.

Holmes, J. (2013). An Introduction to Sociolinguistics (4^thed). London: Routledge.

Wardaugh, R. (2006). An Introduction to Sociolinguistics (5^thed). Oxford: Blackwell.

Trudgill, P. (1983). Sociolinguistics: An Introduction to Language and Society (2^nded). Harmondsworth: Pinguin.

1. What do sociolinguists study?

– What is sociolinguistics?

– Why do we say the same thing in different ways?

– What are the different ways we say things?

– Social factors, dimensions and explanations

2. Language choice in multilingual communities

– Code and variety

– Diglossia

– Code-switching or code-mixing

First Examination

3. Linguistic varieties and multilingual nations

– Vernacular languages

– Standard languages

– Pidgins and creoles

4. National languages and languages planning

– National and official languages

– Planning for a national official language

– The linguist role in language planning

Second Examination

ü  Presentation:  (10pts)

ü  Home work: (2pts)

ü  Participation: (2pts)

ü  Attendance: (2pts)

ü Exam 20/20