ATS2673 - History and sociolinguistics of English - 2018

This unit will survey the history of English (origins, development, diversification, recent convergence, etc.; including the origins and development of the key features which distinguish the main varieties of the language), and the relevant basic aspects of theoretical historical linguistics and philology. It will also deal with the main sociolinguistic facts and issues associated with the statuses and functions of the English language as it exists today and of the key varieties of English in the various societies in which they are used.

Upon successful completion of this unit students will be able to:

1. Describe the major structural changes in the history of English.
2. Identify the sociohistorical context for these changes.
3. Discuss the effects of language contact on English.
4. Analyse language data with respect to the evolution of sounds, vocabulary and grammar.
5. Explain the major processes of language standardization, focusing on the development of Standard English.
6. Illustrate the effects of globalization and e-communication on current-day English.

Within semester assessment: 70% + Exam: 30%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information

English as an international language

Linguistics