LNGS1002 - Language and Social Context

Semester 2, 2011  |  Credit Points: 6

Coordinator: William Foley
Phone: +61 2 9351 4569
Email: william.foley@sydney.edu.au

Description

This unit introduces the study of the interrelationship between language and society. It is concerned with phenomena of language change and how that leads to varieties in a language. How are these varieties linked to social differences? What distinguishes male speech from female speech or what are the linguistic styles of different social classes or ethnic groups? What is slang, or jargon, and what distinguishes a casual conversation from an interview?

Assessments

5x250wd short assignments (40%), 1x1-hr (1000wd) equivalent mid-term exam (20%) and 1x2hr (2000wd) equivalent final exam (40%)

Textbooks

Mesthrie, R., Swann, J., Deumert, A., Leap, W. 2000. 'Introducing Sociolinguistics'. Edinburgh University Press

Classes

2x1-hr lectures/week and 1x1-hr tutorial/week

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