Module LANG40915: WORLD ENGLISHES

Department: English Language Centre

LANG40915: WORLD ENGLISHES

Pre-requisites

Corequisites

Excluded Combinations

Aims

• At the end of the module, students will
• Have understanding of central analytical concepts in dialectology
• Exhibit full working knowledge of both traditional dialectology and more recent approaches to variation
• Be able to identify and describe a number of varieties of English in a worldwide context
• Understand the principles of linguistic analysis and argumentation
• Be able to apply methods of linguistic data analysis

Content

• This module provides an examination of geographically-based linguistic variation (accents and dialects), and differentiation and classification of regional varieties of English speaking world. There will be detailed examination of a number of such varieties.

Learning Outcomes

• Understanding of the concepts of accents and dialects
• Knowledge of the range of dialect variation in English throughout the world
• Understanding of the relationship between accent/dialect and geographical trends

• Mastery of the analytical skills used to identify regional-based dialects
• Ability to analyse the language data in english in order to identify specific dialects

• Ability to read and understand primary texts in language description and analysis
• Ability to analyse data and develop a data-based logical argument

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• The lectures will present the methodology used to describe language variation. Then differing regional varieties of English will be presented and analysed. The seminars will provide students the forum to clarify the basic facts if required and provide an environment in which students can practice linguistic data analysis. Drawing from this and their own independent research, students will write an essay demonstrating ability to analyse data and present a clear and concise argument as well as their own knowledge of varieties of world Englishes and the explanations for such variation. These arguments will be supported by a clarity of style and purpose that follows the expected conventions of academic writing.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment

Assignments prepared in advance by the student and discussed during the seminars.