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ENG251Arts2 Unitsintermediate

Language And Society

This course introduces students to the dynamic relationship between language and society. It explores how social factors influence language use, examining variations in styles, registers, and dialects. Key topics include bilingualism, multilingualism, code-switching, language planning, and the emergence of new language varieties. Students will also analyze language change, maintenance, and death, gaining insights into the socio-political aspects of language use in diverse communities, including Nigeria.

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120h

Study Time

13

Weeks

9h

Per Week

none

Math Level

Course Keywords

SociolinguisticsLanguage variationBilingualismLanguage policyDiscourse analysis

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level

Builds on foundational knowledge

65%

intermediate

📚

Math Level

No Math

📖

Learning Type

Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Language and society

2

Social factors in language

3

Language varieties

4

Multilingualism

5

Language policy

6

Discourse analysis

Total Topics6 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Linguist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Translator

Apply your skills in this growing field

Language Policy Advisor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Communication Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Social Researcher

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

EducationGovernmentMediaInternational RelationsSocial Research

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week

1

Module 1: Introduction to Language and Society

2h

Unit 1: Language as a Social Phenomenon and Its Functions

2 study hours

•Read the introduction to language as a social phenomenon.
•Identify the various functions of language in society.
•Differentiate between emotive, referential, social, and poetic functions.
•Reflect on how language establishes social relationships.

Week

2

Module 1: Introduction to Language and Society

2h

Unit 2: Social Factors in Language Use

2 study hours

•Explore how contextual factors affect language use.
•Discuss the roles of age, social status, education, sex, and gender in language use.
•Analyze how social factors shape language construction and meaning.
•Examine the impact of social status on linguistic behavior.

Week

3

Module 2: Language Varieties I

2h

Unit 1: Dialect, Accent, Sociolect and Idiolect

2 study hours

•Explain the various applications of the term dialect.
•Differentiate between dialect, accent, and sociolect.
•Identify factors that shape regional dialects.
•Examine how geographical origin influences language features.

Week

4

Module 2: Language Varieties I

2h

Unit 2: Register

2 study hours

•Define and illustrate the term register.
•Explain the three register variables: field, mode, and tenor.
•Identify specific linguistic features of English registers.
•Analyze how language use varies according to context and purpose.

Week

5

Module 2: Language Varieties I

2h

Unit 3: Style

2 study hours

•Define the concept of style.
•Identify the purpose of style.
•Explain how the social context of language use affects style.
•Analyze the linguistic style of texts and speeches.

Week

6

Module 3: Language Varieties II

2h

Unit 1: Standard, Non-standard, Native and Non-native Varieties

2 study hours

•Explain the ideas of standard and non-standard varieties.
•List major features of native and non-native varieties.
•Identify major features of a vernacular language.
•Compare and contrast standard and non-standard language forms.

Week

7

Module 3: Language Varieties II

2h

Unit 2: Deviant/Restricted Varieties

2 study hours

•Explain what is meant by deviant languages.
•Discuss why some varieties are regarded as deviant varieties.
•Explain slang, jargon, and graffiti with examples.
•Analyze how language norms are challenged by deviant varieties.

Week

8

Module 3: Language Varieties II

2h

Unit 3: New Varieties (E-mail, Text Messaging, Mobile Telephoning

2 study hours

•Explain the term technologically mediated discourse.
•Discuss major features of technologically mediated discourse.
•Explain how technologically mediated discourse differs from conventional communication.
•Identify challenges the new varieties pose for communication.

Week

9

Module 3: Language Varieties II

2h

Unit 4: Languages in Contact (Pidgin and Creole)

2 study hours

•Explain the idea of languages in contact.
•Identify major features of pidgin and creole languages.
•Differentiate between pidgin and creole languages.
•Examine the evolution and characteristics of contact languages.

Week

10

Module 4: Language: Types, Ethnography and Acquisition

2h

Unit 1: Language Typologies

2 study hours

•Explain the major language types discussed.
•Differentiate between formal and functional typologies of language.
•Identify major sub-systems of each typology.
•Describe languages using these typologies.

Week

11

Module 4: Language: Types, Ethnography and Acquisition

4h

Unit 2: Linguistic Anthropology

2 study hours

•Identify the relationship between language and social/cultural values.
•Explain the concept of speech community.
•Explain how ethnography relates to language study.
•Analyze speech situations using ethnography of communication concepts.

Unit 3: Language Learning and Acquisition

2 study hours

•Differentiate between child language acquisition and adult language learning.
•Explain the relationship between language and thought.
•Discuss the basic content of the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis.
•Explore the cognitive dimensions of language use.

Week

12

Module 5: Multilingualism and Language Development

4h

Unit 1: Bilingualism/Multilingualism

2 study hours

•Explain the concept of bilingualism.
•Identify the types of bilingualism.
•Discuss the notion of diglossia in relation to bilingualism.
•Analyze the social dynamics of bilingual communities.

Unit 2: Language Policy

2 study hours

•Explain the term language policy.
•Describe different types of states.
•Describe kinds of policies adopted by governments.
•Examine how language policies shape linguistic landscapes.

Week

13

Module 5: Multilingualism and Language Development

4h

Unit 3: Language Planning, Maintenance, Shift and Death

2 study hours

•Explain concepts of language development.
•Describe language planning and factors influencing it.
•Explain language shift and language death.
•Explore strategies for language maintenance and revitalization.

Unit 1: Discourse Analysis

2 study hours

•Explain the meaning of discourse analysis.
•Identify major features of a text or discourse.
•Describe the structure of discourse.
•Differentiate between interactive and non-interactive discourse.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create detailed summaries of each unit, focusing on key terms and concepts.

2

Practice applying sociolinguistic theories to real-world examples.

3

Review assignments and tutor feedback to identify areas for improvement.

4

Form study groups to discuss complex topics and share insights.

5

Focus on understanding the Nigerian sociolinguistic context and language policies.

6

Create concept maps linking language variation, social factors, and discourse analysis.

7

Practice analyzing sample conversations and written texts for discourse features.

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