The Sociolinguistics of English

This course provides social and linguistic perspectives on the English language by introducing students to the field of sociolinguistics and language policy and planning. In the first course, we learn about concepts that are key to understanding the use and status of English and other languages alongside English in different parts of the world. We then pay specific attention to linguistic and social variation in English as well as to power and linguistic imperialism that is associated with the English language. Finally, we learn about how sociolinguistic research is conducted, and students conduct a small project which they present to the group. The second course is specifically devoted to language policy and planning and the English language. Again, we learn key concepts that enable us to understand, talk and write about this field. Language policy and planning involves, for instance, the planning of language use, language form and language acquisition in a specific geopolitical area, for example a nation. It also involves language use in more restricted social spaces such as institutions, schools and libraries, and organisations such as the EU. Towards the end of the course, students conduct a small research project on a topic they develop in collaboration with fellow students and the teacher.