From English to Englishes

Learning Outcomes

Subject Specific Practical Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Increased understanding of how English relates to other languages in the world today
• be more aware when using English of the social meanings that can be attached to speech

Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• appreciate and critique key notions in the field of Global Englishes
• reflect on the roles of language users in language standards and language change
• engage with theories on language use and change in relation to English
• access a range of critical materials in the field

Knowledge and Understanding

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

• the linguistic heterogeneity of the English-speaking world and the relationship between English and other languages
• a greater appreciation of prevailing attitudes towards English from an informed position
• sociolinguistic issues with regard to Standard English and varieties of English
• the spread of English around the world and the position of English as a world language
• different conceptions of English, such as English as a foreign language and English as a lingua franca
• sociolinguistic phenomena such as language contact, diglossia, bilingualism, pidginisatin/creolisation, and code-switching
• the status and the role of English in different contexts

Transferable and Generic Skills

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• demonstrate understanding of elements of theory which can be applied to the study of other languages
• organise and present information in an academic way
• work effectively in different modes: carrying out individual research, collaborating with partners, exchanging ideas, presenting findings, and engaging in self-evaluation
• present ideas and synergise literature in a structured, coherent manner

The module covers the following topics:

• Standard English in Britain
• Linguistic features of English and sociolinguistic conflicts
• Linguistic imperialism vs. sociolinguistic empowerment
• English creativity and legitimacy
• Pidgins and creoles
• English as a lingua franca
• Global Englishes
• The future of English/es

Teaching methods include

• 1 lecture per week
• 1 seminar per week

The lectures will serve to introduce, analyse and investigate key aspects of sociolinguistics with respect to change and variation in the English language. The weekly seminar will be mostly student-led and will offer an opportunity to discuss key themes through discussion of various activities prepared individually and in groups.

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.