Module LANG40915: WORLD ENGLISHES

Department: English Language Centre

LANG40915: WORLD ENGLISHES

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• at the end of this module, students will:
• have understanding of central analytical concepts in the history and development of the English language
• exhibit a working knowledge of both traditional dialectology and more recent approaches to variation
• have an understanding of the place of English as a global Lingua Franca
• have an understanding of the social, political and cultural contexts that shape how English is learnt and taught across the inner, outer and expanding circles
• be able to use concepts and theories to reflect upon their own learning and teaching context

Content

• this module provides an examination of the development of the English language and geographically-based linguistic variation (accents and dialects), and differentiation and classification of regional varieties of the English speaking world.
• the module also provides an overview of the main theories that seek to explain the political, social and pedagogical impact of English as a Lingua Franca
• these theories are applied to case studies of language planning and policy making in a range of inner and outer circle contexts which include -
• the place of African American Vernacular English in contemporary America
• English as a medium of instruction in: Hong Kong, Malaysia, Vanuatu and Malta
• the Native versus non-Native speaker debate

Learning Outcomes

• knowledge of the key concepts in the historical development from Old to Modern English
• be able to use key concepts such as linguistic imperialism and language as a local practice to evaluate language planning and policy approaches
• understanding of the concepts of accents and dialects
• knowledge of the range of dialect variation in English throughout the world

• mastery of the analytical skills used to identify English 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
• ability to engage with and evaluate theories and concepts drawn from the social sciences
• ability to apply social science theories to case studies and their own experiences of teaching and learning

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

• the lectures will present the major events in the history of the English language. Then differing regional varieties of English will be presented and analysed. Finally the lectures move to consider the wider social and political contexts in which English is used
• drawing from this and their own independent research, students will have the opportunity to write an essay demonstrating the 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
• alternatively, students will have the option of writing an essy that explores the choices made by governments, institutions and individuals with regard to how English is learnt and taught. 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.

■ 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