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Introduction To Sociolinguistics

Key information

  • Module code:

    4SSEL002

  • Level:

    4

  • Semester:

      Full Year

  • Credit value:

    30

Module description

Sociolinguistics, broadly defined as the study of the relationships between language and society, encompasses a multitude of research questions and methods. Focusing on language in its social context, sociolinguists ask about linguistic diversity (the coexistence of languages in a community or society), linguistic variation (how patterns of language use correlate with social categories such as class, gender and age), and the role of language in social life (including its relationships to power, identity and ideology). This course will introduce you to core concepts and methods in sociolinguistics, emphasising linguistic and quantitative aspects of the discipline. Rather than covering the entire discipline, this is just your introduction into the world of sociolinguistic research, and will be complemented by the second part of this course (in the spring term) as well as by later courses throughout this BA programme. 

Assessment details

(1) One 3,000-word essay (50% of the total marks)

(2) One 3,000-word ethnographic study of a communicative event (50% of the total marks) 

Subject areas

Department

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.