Module overview
This module in French sociolinguistics aims to build on, and re-evaluate your existing knowledge of the French language from a sociolinguistic perspective. The module has three major themes language change, language variation and language identity in relation to the French language in France and other parts of the world. It looks at French as a standard language, regional variation, minority languages in France, French in Canada and Africa, and French Creoles. It provides a challenge to the way you think about French and its relation to other languages.
Linked modules
FREN1016
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Critically evaluate your own skills.
- Express your own views and interpretations clearly and succinctly in oral presentations;
- Use a variety of resources to carry out detailed independent research;
- Develop and clearly express sophisticated theoretical arguments in writing;
- Collate a wide variety of primary and secondary material and evaluate its usefulness;
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Discuss debates about language from a sociolinguistic perspective
- Analyse theoretical work on language change, language variation and language and identity
- Carry out research into a specific area of French sociolinguistics
- Think critically about the French language, and other minority languages in France and La Francophonie
- Think critically about questions of language identity in France and La Francophonie
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- to have an enhanced understanding of the interaction between variation and change in the evolution of languages;
- to have deeper insight into sociolinguistic phenomena related to French, minority languages spoken in France and La Francophonie;
- Produce complex readings of texts in various media
- to become more aware of how language relates to society, and of the role of historical, geographical, social and personal factors;
- to look at the French language and other languages spoken in France from different perspectives, and in relation to the phenomenon of language in general;
Syllabus
The module will broaden and deepen your interest in the French language from a sociolinguistic perspective and stimulate and develop your existing interest in (socio)linguistic phenomena. You will gain an understanding of the French language as a system which allows for many variations, some of which are favoured by choice, culture and usage.
The module will follow three themes in connection to French and other languages spoken in France and La Francophonie:
- Language Change
- Language Variation
- Language and Identity
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include:
- Regular recorded lectures from module leaders delivered online (using Panopto - lecture capture software)
- Associated online chat and Discussion Forum activities
- Student participation and interaction through group blogging tasks
- Student online presentations using Teams videocasts
Learning activities include
- Organisation of material and own ideas for oral presentation
- Developing own interpretation of theoretical works and texts
- Debating ideas with tutor and fellow colleagues in online forums
- Independent study.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Tutorial | 5 |
| Follow-up work | 10 |
| Seminar | 20 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 50 |
| Wider reading or practice | 20 |
| Completion of assessment task | 45 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Internet Resources
Description and/or list, with URL, library reference, etc.
Description and/or list, with URL, library reference, etc.
Textbooks
Aitchison, J (2013). Language change: progress or decay?. CUP.
Gadet, Françoise (2003). La variation sociale en français. Paris: Ophrys.
Coveney, A (2001). The sounds of contemporary French: articulation and diversity. Elm Bank Publications.
Coveney, A., M-AC-E Hintze, CC-E Sanders (2004). Variation et francophonie. Paris: L'Harmattan.
Wardhaugh, R (2011). Introduction to sociolinguistics. Wiley-Blackwell.
Hintze, M. A. et al (eds) (2001). French accents: phonological and sociolinguistic perspectives. Association of French Language Studies.
Offord., M (ed) (1996). A reader in French sociolinguistics. Series title: (Applications in French linguistics ; vol.1). Clevedon: Multilingual Matters.
Posner, Rebecca (1997). Linguistic change in French. Oxford: Clarendon Press.
Lodge, R. A (1993). French from dialect to standard. Routledge.
Rickard, P (1989). A history of the French language [electronic resource]. London ; Boston: Unwin Hyman.
Detey, Sylvain; Durand, Jacques; Laks, Bernard; & Lyche, Chantal (eds) (2010). Les Variétés du Français Parlé dans l'Espace Francophone: ressources pour l'enseignement. Paris: Éditions Ophrys.
Assessment
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Essay | 40% |
| Digital presentation | 10% |
| Research project | 50% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Project | 100% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Assignment | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External