Introduction to Language, Culture and Communication

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Evaluate ways in which communication can be analysed through language and cultural models
• Describe how language and cultural models influence communication
• Critically assess key issues and approaches to communication and language in use
• Apply models of communication to a wide range of language interactions 
• Analyse primary data and case studies

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• apply critical thinking and problem-solving techniques in order to address new issues and new data; 
• work effectively in different modes: carrying out individual research and using this as input to collaborations with partners in seminars

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• mapping of the conceptual and analytical tools which can be used to critically analyse language in use
• of the theoretical approaches to communication, language and culture
• methodologies for the study of language in use and its underpinning communicative approaches
• the links between meanings, symbols and contexts attached to language in use
• the intersection between language, culture and communication

The module will outline the main theories of communication which intersect with language and cultural models. It aims to provide students with a solid introduction to how language in the form of communication works in everyday life and how it shapes, but at the same time is shaped by culture, starting from a wide range of concrete language behaviours from speech communities, multiligualism, language ideologies, discourse, social power and control to more social practices.

There will be one double seminar each week. During the session, short lecture by the tutors will serve to introduce the main theories of communication and its underpinning key language and cultural concepts. Lectures will also introduce students to selected conceptual, analytical and methodological frameworks that can be used to study communication in concrete situations of language interaction. Readings carried out in advance of seminars lead to small group discussions and class debates.

Students play an active role in the seminars through a ‘workshop’ approach, in which they will take it in turns to lead discussions and carry out small-group activities. The module places considerable emphasis on formative and collaborative forms of learning, in particular through Blackboard reading groups in which they will discuss topics in advance of seminars and reflect on them afterwards.

The module will also encourage you to explore communicative interactional situations and draw on

Your observational and analytical skills to explore critically communication in human language. It will provide an occasion for you to engage with specific areas in more detail, through investigation and collaboration.

Learning activities will include:

• Completing specified preparatory reading tasks;
• Reading, analysis, reflection and discussion of language data;
• Individual and collaborative research and analysis of data
• Written and oral presentation of findings;
• Practical exercises, group discussions and class debates on selected topics;
• Individual essays and research projects (assessed).

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

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.