LG353-6-SP-CO:
English in the British Isles
2020/21
Linguistics
Colchester Campus
Spring
Undergraduate: Level 6
ReassessmentOnly
Sunday 17 January 2021
Friday 26 March 2021
15
17 April 2019
Requisites for this module
LG355
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
This module looks at diachronic variation in the English language, i.e. at changes over time. It considers historical as well as associated sociolinguistic issues, with a specific focus on phonological variation. Syntactic, morphological, lexical, and semantic change are also considered.
The module will deal with the question of why linguistic variation exists in the first place. It will also look at major landmarks in the history of English. Thus, characteristics of Old English, Middle English and Modern English are discussed in conjunction with the pressures that led to changes taking place.
The module will offer insights into dialectal variation, in particular phonetic and phonological changes over time and across geographical locations.
• To familiarise students with the concept of diachronic variation in the English language in its historical and sociolinguistic context
• To introduce students to the salient features of the major accents and dialects of English, including historical varieties of the language and the ways in which these varieties evolved
• To enable students to develop an informed view of the status of non-standard varieties of English
• To provide practice in linguistic analysis, phonetic transcription and elementary auditory training
By the end of the module, students will have:
1. An appreciation of why and how the English language changed over time.
2. A detailed understanding of historical and sociolinguistic influences on language change.
3. Gained insight into aspects of phonological and morphological variation.
4. Gained a comprehensive understanding of concepts such as dialect and accent.
5. Improved their transferable skills in auditory perception and phonetic transcription.
No additional information available.
The module is taught as a 2-hour lecture/seminar
- Milroy, James; Milroy, Lesley. (1993) Real English: the grammar of English dialects in the British Isles, London: Longman. vol. Real language series
- Hogg, Richard M. (c2002) An introduction to Old English, Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.
- Graddol, David; Open University. (2007) Changing English, London: Routledge. vol. English language
- Barber, Charles Laurence; Beal, Joan C; Shaw, Philip A. (2009) The English language: a historical introduction, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
- Horobin, Simon. (2013) Chaucer's language, Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan.
- Crystal, David. (2004) The stories of English, London: Allen Lane.
- Foulkes, Paul; Docherty, Gerard J. (1999) Urban voices: accent studies in the British Isles, London: Arnold.
- Britain, David. (2007) Language in the British Isles, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
- Barber, Charles Laurence. (1993) The English language: a historical introduction, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
- Hogg, Richard M; Alcorn, Rhona; EBSCOhost ebook collection. (©2012) An introduction to Old English, Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.
- Trudgill, Peter. (1999) The dialects of England, Oxford: Blackwell Publishers.
- Fennell, Barbara A. (2001) A history of English: a sociolinguistic approach, Oxford: Blackwell Publishers. vol. Blackwell textbooks in linguistics
- Lass, Roger. (1987) The shape of English: structure and history, London: Dent.
The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course. The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students. Further reading can be obtained from this module's reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
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Assignment 1 |
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| Coursework |
Assignment 2 |
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Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Ella Jeffries, email: e.jeffries@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Ella Jeffries
Dr Ella Jeffries, Office: 4.207, Telephone: 01206 873762, Email: e.jeffries@essex.ac.uk
Yes
No
No
Dr Christopher Lucas
University of London
Senior Lecturer in Arabic Linguistics
Available via Moodle
Of 20 hours, 20 (100%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s).
Linguistics
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