LING1705
Download as PDF
LING 1705 - World Englishes: The Linguistics of English-based varieties around the globe (3 Cr.) Global Perspectives, Social Sciences
Course description
In this course, we will explore the linguistic questions that arise concerning the many varieties of English that are spoken around the globe, including regional and other types of dialects (e.g., Southern U.S. English or Multicultural London English), nationlects (e.g., Indian English or Nigerian English), and English-based creoles (e.g., Jamaican Patwa or Singlish). Importantly, we will spend time discussing what the idea of "standard variety" means in different contexts where English is spoken and who is or is not considered to be "a native speaker" in those contexts.
Through the critical analysis of sociopolitical contexts of language use, this course will also address the issues related to language policy, both at the national level in different contexts and in educational settings worldwide, and language ideologies underpinning the ways in which some varieties may become prestigious and others stigmatized. We will also discuss the role of English in an increasingly globalized world and its current status as a sought-after commodity.
Our overarching concern, however, will be what we can learn about humans and the human mind by studying the variation found across English varieties. This course will introduce you to the basics of linguistic analysis and the methods and tools linguistics developed for the study of variation. Through the study of linguistic features considered to be representative of specific varieties of English, you will learn how linguists talk about speech sounds and grammar. Through the study of variation of those features across time and space (geographical and social), you will learn how systematic the patterns of variation can be, which will allow us to revisit such linguistic terms as "dialect," "nationlect," "ethnolect," and "creole" and, by utilizing the tools of both linguistic and critical analysis, discuss the reasons why the boundaries between the varieties described by those terms may not be as clear-cut as one may imagine them to be.
Through the critical analysis of sociopolitical contexts of language use, this course will also address the issues related to language policy, both at the national level in different contexts and in educational settings worldwide, and language ideologies underpinning the ways in which some varieties may become prestigious and others stigmatized. We will also discuss the role of English in an increasingly globalized world and its current status as a sought-after commodity.
Our overarching concern, however, will be what we can learn about humans and the human mind by studying the variation found across English varieties. This course will introduce you to the basics of linguistic analysis and the methods and tools linguistics developed for the study of variation. Through the study of linguistic features considered to be representative of specific varieties of English, you will learn how linguists talk about speech sounds and grammar. Through the study of variation of those features across time and space (geographical and social), you will learn how systematic the patterns of variation can be, which will allow us to revisit such linguistic terms as "dialect," "nationlect," "ethnolect," and "creole" and, by utilizing the tools of both linguistic and critical analysis, discuss the reasons why the boundaries between the varieties described by those terms may not be as clear-cut as one may imagine them to be.
Minimum credits
3
Maximum credits
3
Is this course repeatable?
No
Grading basis
OPT - Student Option
Lecture
This course fulfills the following Liberal Education requirement(s)
Social Sciences, Global Perspectives
Fulfills the writing intensive requirement?
No
Typically offered term(s)
Periodic Fall & Spring