The aim of the course is to develop an awareness and understanding of different variables among the students that interact with the language and society. This course will enable the students to develop an in-depth understanding of the interaction between language and society. In addition, it will focus on diversity in the language in relation to gender, geography, social class, ethnicity, and national origin. The study of sociolinguistics looks at how languages function socially, how individuals and groups actually use language, and what this “says” about them/us.

The course is designed to

1. increase your awareness of the ways that language and social contexts interact and develop your ability to explain some of these interactions to other people – both other linguists and the general public

2. increase your understanding of concepts, terminology, and research paradigms which are important in understanding sociolinguistic work

3. strengthen your ability to apply sociolinguistic principles and research in teaching, workplace, and everyday situations

4. give you practice with some analytical techniques in sociolinguistic work 5. allow you to focus more detailed attention on a single sociolinguistic topic that is currently an important political/social issue. 

Timetable

Wednesdays and Thursdays

Timing: 

From 0330 to 0500 pm

Assessment Criteria

Midterm: 30 Marks

Final Term: 50 Marks

Sessional: 20 Marks

Sessional marks will include assignments, presentations, and viva-voce exams.