Module SPAN3291: Languages in Contact in the Hispanic World

Department: Modern Language and Cultures (Spanish)

SPAN3291: Languages in Contact in the Hispanic World

Prerequisites

• Spanish Language 2A (SPAN2011) OR Spanish Language 2B (SPAN2111) OR an equivalent qualification to the satisfaction of the Chairman/Chairwoman of the Board of Studies in MLAC or his/her representative.

Corequisites

Excluded Combination of Modules

• Spanish Translation (SPAN3131)

Aims

• To introduce students to the study of language contact and its outcomes, as well as the social and linguistic factors that regulate contact-induced change.
• The course will introduce basic concepts in language contact including bilingualism, code-switching and lexical borrowing, interference and second language acquisition, pidgins and creoles formation.
• Examples from Spanish in contact with other languages will be discussed and students will be expected to explore specific case studies and data.

Content

• The phenomenon of language contact, and how it affects languages and cultures, has been of great interest to linguists.
• This module will look at contact situations within the Hispanic world and will analyse two related consequences of contact: the development of new linguistic forms on the one hand and the processes of acculturation, assimilation, and amalgamation on the other.
• The module will offer an insight into the mechanisms that induce language and culture change and, drawing on findings from Spanish in contact with English, Italian and Welsh, will show that the transfer of linguistic and cultural material across languages is quite regular and follows universal patterns.

Learning Outcomes

• An understanding of the nature of linguistic and cultural changes and stability.
• An understanding of the proposed causes of change in the various components of culture and language structure.
• An appreciation of the methodological ways in which these changes are investigated.
• Basic knowledge of the linguistic structures of English, Italian, and Welsh.

• A grasp of the principles of comparative linguistics and of the contribution of historical linguistics.
• An understanding of basic issues in contact linguistics and how to apply them to other linguistic examples from students’ own experience as language learners.
• An awareness of lexical borrowing in English and of different kinds of mutilingualism both on a society and individual level.
• Knowledge of new linguistic terminology.

• Carrying out independent research taking as a starting point the classes and the reading list provided.
• Researching printed and electronic resources.
• Participating in discussions and team work.
• Developing and using analytical skills to solve problems

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

• The module will be taught intensively in Term II on a ‘short-fat’ basis.
• Lectures (twice weekly) will deliver key information on the module; a weekly seminar with smaller groups will allow for individual presentations and active discussions.
• This format responds to student feedback gained in SSCC and NSS responses.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

None

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University