LG653-7-SP-CO:
Varieties of English
2023/24
Language and Linguistics
Colchester Campus
Spring
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Monday 15 January 2024
Friday 22 March 2024
15
11 April 2022
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
MRESQ14512 Analysing Language Use,
MA Q16012 English Language and Linguistics
The module looks at a wide range of variation in the English Language as it is spoken in the UK, North America and the Southern Hemisphere, and discusses associated historical and sociolinguistic issues. The focus is on phonological variation, although salient syntactic, morphological and lexical features are also covered, illustrating with recordings wherever possible
• To familiarise students with the concept of diachronic variation in the English language in its historical and sociolinguistic context
• To familiarise students with varieties of English spoken in different parts of the world
• To introduce students to phonological, syntactic, morphological and lexical features of these varieties
• To compare and contrast the different varieties of English in focus and to shed light on their origins
• To provide practice in linguistic analysis, phonetic transcription and elementary auditory training
By the end of this course, students should be able ...
• to identify most regional accents of English and to describe the differences between them.
• to make an intelligent and well-informed contribution to controversies concerning standard vs non-standard English (e.g. in education, broadcasting, etc.).
• to read research papers on variation in English and understand them within a broader perspective.
• to conduct original research of your own into variation in English.
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 |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
Essay or Small Project |
|
100% |
Additional coursework information
N/A
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
Prof Enam Al-Wer, email: enama@essex.ac.uk.
Enam Al-Wer
4.202b, enama@essex.ac.uk
Yes
No
No
Dr Vivienne Esther Rogers
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), module, or event type.
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