LING30210 World Englishes

Academic Year 2024/2025

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

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Group Work Assignment: In the middle of the semester and towards the end of the semester, students will work on terminology and practice referencing and descriptive skills in small groups. Week 5, Week 10 Graded No

40

 No
Individual Project: Each student will explore the historical and sociolinguistic context of one variety of English and discuss some of their linguistic features; the write up of this project is due in week 12. Week 12 Graded No

55

 No
Participation in Learning Activities: Throughout the trimester students must interact with activities and readings on Brightspace Week 12 Graded No

5

 No

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, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.