GRN2125

German dialects and dialectology

E M Wilkinson and Heinz Kreutz

8 points
* 3 hours per week
* Clayton
* Second semester
* Corequisites: a second-year language course at level GRN2415 or higher

Objectives On successful completion of this subject students should be able to read and interpret traditional dialect maps and to use traditional dialect atlases effectively; have an extensive knowledge of the geographical distribution of German dialects; have a better understanding of the role the German language plays in modern German society; have a better understanding of central issues important for the acquisition of the German language, such as language and society, politics and education; have a better understanding of the diversity of the German language as a result of having contrasted dialects with standard German; be equipped with a base for further studies in the area of German linguistics.

Synopsis This subject introduces German dialects and dialectology. The course will explore traditional methods (speech atlases, dialect maps) and structural dialectology, and provide students with a background in regional and historical dialectology. The students will also be introduced to contemporary dialectology: social dialects, dialect as a group identity marker (youth, age and gender), sociology of dialects with particular reference to dialect and central processes of societal change, dialect and standard language, and dialect and the education system.

Assessment Written (3000 words): 45%
* Class paper: 25%
* Examination (1 hour): 30%

Prescribed texts

To be advised