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2011/2 Provisional Module Catalogue - UNDER CONSTRUCTION & SUBJECT TO CHANGE
 Module Code: TRAM182 Module Title: LANGUAGE AND SOCIETY
Module Provider: Language & Translation Studies Short Name: TRAM182
Level: M Module Co-ordinator: BRAUN S Dr (Lang & Trans)
Number of credits: 15 Number of ECTS credits: 7.5
 
Module Availability
Semester 1
Assessment Pattern
Unit(s) of Assessment
Weighting Towards Module Mark (%)
Small-scale research project
50%
Essay of 2,000-2,500 words
50%
Qualifying Condition(s): An average mark of 50% is required to pass the module.
Module Overview
The module focuses on the use and role of language in different social settings. It provides students with a systematic framework for understanding how language use varies according to communicative goals, modality (spoken, written) and in relation to such factors as the social, ethnic or regional origin of speakers. It also deals with how language is used in different institutional and occupational settings and how social change is reflected in the changing use of language.
Prerequisites/Co-requisites
First degree in English, an appropriate language or equivalent. Near-native or native competency in English.
Module Aims
The module enables students to reflect critically upon different roles of language, to analyse language use and variation across different settings and to appreciate the implications for their own professional translation and interpreting practice.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
·        discuss the range of factors which may affect language use in society
·        identify relevant roles and uses of language in different social contexts
·        distinguish different registers of language use
·        appraise characteristic features of social, regional and other varieties of language
·        relate theoretical frameworks of language use and variation to their translation and interpreting practice.
Module Content
This module is concerned with the use and role of language in society. It introduces relevant theoretical frameworks and provides opportunities for practical application, using authentic examples of language use.
 
The module will begin with an observation of current (English) usage and of current trends of language use in society. This will be followed by a systematic overview of language variation (social, regional, functional, institutional, occupational etc.) to familiarise the students with appropriate frameworks for the description and analysis of the role of language, language variation and change.
 
In the remainder of the module, these frameworks are applied to the analysis of language use in different settings. Topics include public language (e.g. the language of public services and other institutions), corporate language, language and politics, language and power and the impact on language of changing social patterns (e.g. multicultural Britain).
Methods of Teaching/Learning
Classes will consist of a mix of approx. 30% teacher-led input and discussion, and 70% discussion and practical exercise. Students will conduct a small-scale research project analysing a situation of language use of their choice.
 
The module will normally involve twenty two hours class contact in Semester 1.
Selected Texts/Journals
Essential reading
Trudgill, P. (2000). Sociolinguistics. An introduction to language and society. London: Penguin.
 
Recommended reading
Fairclough, N. (2001). Discourse analysis. Textual analysis for social research. London: Routledge.
Mey, J. (1993). Pragmatics. Oxford: Blackwell.
Thomas, J. (1995). Meaning in interaction. London: Longman.
Thomas, L. / Wareign, S. (Eds) (1999). Language, society and power. London: Routledge.
 
Translation/Interpreting-related reading:
Baker, M. (2006). Translation and conflict. London: Routledge.
Salama-Carr, M. (2007). Translating and interpreting conflict. Amsterdam: Rodopi. 
Pym, A. / Shlesinger, M. / Jettmarová, Z. (Eds) (2006). Sociocultural aspects of translating and interpreting. Amsterdam: Benjamins.
 
Background reading
Bolinger, D. (1980). Language, the loaded weapon. The use and abuse of language today. London: Longman.
Cameron, D. (2005). Language, gender, and sexuality: Current issues and new directions. Applied Linguistics 26(4), 482-502.
Lakoff, George (2006). Don't think of an elephant! Know your values and frame the debate. London: Chelsea Green. (Excerpt: http://www.alternet.org/mediaculture/19811/).
Milroy, L. / Gordon, M. (2003) Sociolinguistics. Method and interpretation. Oxford: Blackwell.
Stubbs, M. (1996). Text and corpus analysis. Oxford: Blackwell.
Last Updated
21 April 2011