Convenor: Dr. Amanda Cole

This module covers the theory, methods and key studies in sociolinguistics. We look at how language is used and how people feel about it. The primary focus is on language variation and change, and the linguistic and social factors which shape them, as well as how this relates to language attitudes and ideologies. We address key sociolinguistic questions such as: Why do people – even those from the same place - speak differently to each other and why does the same person speak differently depending on the context or audience? Why does language change and which groups of people are at the forefront of this? What are the stereotypes and ideas held about different varieties and the people that speak them?