LIN2350

Sociolinguistics

Michael Clyne and Mark Newbrook

8 points
* 3 hours per week
* Second semester
* Clayton

Objectives The objectives of this subject are that students should understand the main theoretical notions of sociolinguistics and the sociology of language and be able to apply them (using the associated terms accurately) to the description and comparison of actual sociolinguistic situations, familiar or otherwise (students normally specialise to a degree, focusing on either Asian or European issues within the field, but all study Australian issues and issues of general significance); be able to carry out their own small-scale sociolinguistic fieldwork project (including the use of a questionnaire or other interview schedule) and write it up, with a particular focus on methodology; be observant and insightful in `spotting' and commenting on items of sociolinguistic interest met with in everyday life, and in relating these specific items to general sociolinguistic ideas and issues; be aware of the nature of folk-linguistic thought and be able to analyse the points of difference between folk-linguistics and sociolinguistics; be aware of some of the main theoretical debates within sociolinguistics; be able to manipulate basic statistics (means, standard deviations etc.) in the analysis of linguistic variation; be in a position to develop critical and well-informed positions on the practical upshots of these considerations (educational, language planning, etc.).

Synopsis The subject explores the relationships between language and society, using English in Australia as a basis but also examines other (Asian and European) contexts: social, subcultural and political variation and the functions of language. Students are organised into tutorial groups which focus on sociolinguistic issues relevant to the Asian, Australian or European situation.

Assessment Written assignment (3000 words): 40%
* Scrapbook 15%
* Class test (1 hour): 30%
* Tutorial participation: 15%

Prescribed texts

Holmes J An introduction to sociolinguistics Longman, 1992

Recommended texts

Collins P and Blair D (eds) Australian English: The language of a new society UQP, 1989
Hudson R Sociolinguistics CUP, 1996
Wardhaugh R An introduction to sociolinguistics Blackwell, 1992