Sociolinguistics

Objectives of the course

Acquiring basic knowledge from chosen areas of sociolinguistics. Learning about various methods of sociolinguistics research. Testing this knowledge in individual research.

Prerequisites

In order to successfully participate in in-class discussions and to follow the lectures, the student should take the introductory linguistic courses.

Assessment methods

Attending lectures, a term paper, oral examination, active participation in in-class discussions

Course contents

The main part of the course is devoted to the presentation of some core areas of sociolinguistics, with emphasis on the study of linguistically mixed areas with related issues like: languages in contact, code switching and code mixing, bi- and plurilingualism, etc. We will study the linguistic situations and attitudes of speakers towards linguistic situations of various minority languages (also at the micro level). The acquired theoretical framework should allow performing individual research of the linguistic reality.

Material discussed in lectures also forms the main part of recitations, where more time and care is devoted to the main issues. Emphasis is given to practical knowledge and actual analysis of language data.

Recommended reading

• Fasold, Ralph. 1996. The sociolinguistics of language. Oxford, Cambridge: Blackwell.
• Florian Coulmans (ed.). 2000. The handbook of sociolinguistics. Oxford, Malden: Blackwell.
• Articles from various journals, volumes, etc.