Language is a powerful instrument for constructing and reflecting social and community identities. Who we are, how we identify with our own social group, our attitudes to other groups and cultures, are all interconnected with language use and language values. This course investigates the role of language in constructing individual and social identities, and associated theories and models including those of language attitudes, evaluation, identification, and representation. Attention will also be given to the nature and boundaries of language communities, language and gender, and language and nationality.

Mode of study

1. lectures (20%)
2. reading and Moodle assignments (20%)
3. group work, oral group presentation, and final project essay (60%)

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course, a student will be able to:

1. Discuss the nature of the relationship between language, community, and society
2. Identify socio-cultural aspects of language use and identity construction
3. Evaluate the effect of attitudes on inter-group communication
4. Recognise and apply models of identity construction to language use
5. Do group work and conduct an independent piece of group research

Grading

scale 1-5