Aims

At the end of this course, the student will be able:
1.To understand the conceptual framework developed by sociolinguistics for the analysis of the relationship between the speaker, the language and the social group.
2.To understand the methods of contemporary sociolinguistics, while applying critical points of view.
3.To make use of both theoretical and methodological competences as acquired in concrete situations (namely field inquiries).

Main themes

This course is threefold :
1.The study of theoretical concepts : linguistic variation (language, dialect, "patois", etc.), languages in contact (bilingualism, diglossia, etc.), linguistic community, linguistic market (speakers and norms), linguistic utterances and speakers' representations.
2.The presentation of the technical skills required by the sociolinguistic inquiry (creating questionnaires, selecting samples, data processing, etc.).
3.The application of theoretical and methodological skills through field work.

Content and teaching methods

This course has three main objectives :
1.To give a conceptual framework for the analysis of the relationship between the speaker, the language and the social group.
2.To achieve a critical reflection on the methods of contemporary sociolinguistics.
3.To give support in applying theoretical concepts and methodology to concrete situations.

Summary
1. Study of theoretical concepts ; 2. Methodological and practical aspects of the sociolinguistic inquiry ; 3. Application of the methodology through field work.

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Prerequisite : an introductory course in general linguistics.

Assessment focuses on the participation in the various activities organized during the course (especially the field work) as well as on the written report on this activities..

Other credits in programs