LIN2150 - Accents and Varieties of English

Leader: Prof Kate Burridge

Offered

Not offered in 2007

Synopsis

This unit will survey the main distinguishing features at the key linguistic levels (notably pronunciation/accent, morphology, syntax and lexis) of the more important varieties of English around the world (native-speaker and 'new'; standard and non-standard) and also the origins and development of these features.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this unit students will:

1. Know the main distinguishing features, at the key linguistic levels, of the more important varieties of English around the world (native-speaker and 'new'; standard and non-standard) and also the origins and development of these features.
2. Be able to explain the relevant facts using the terminology of linguistics.
3. Be able to understand the main facts and issues associated with the statuses and functions of these varieties in the various societies in which they are used, the attitudes which users of English have adopted with respect to these varieties, and the connections between all these issues.
4. Be in a position to analyse new situations involving language varieties (English or other) in these terms.
5. Be in a position to develop critical and well-informed positions on the practical upshots of these considerations (educational, language planning, etc).

Assessment

Research project (2000 words): 40%
Two tests (1250 words equivalent each): 50%
Class participation: 10%

Contact hours

2 hours (1 x 2 hour seminar) per week

Prerequisites

A first-year sequence in Linguistics