Sociolinguistics and Language Learning

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2012:

On campus or online

2 contact hours/week, 8 additional hours/week. Total of 10 hours per week.

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For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

In this subject, students will gain a systematic understanding of the relation between language and society and culture and its implications for language learning and teaching. The main topics covered include: Social, regional and stylistic variation and their consequences for the learning and teaching of English and other second languages; bi-multilingualism and diglossia; language, attitudes and identity; language policy, especially languages-in-education policy; pidgins and creoles; cultural values in communication; and multi-modal communication, both online and non-verbal interactions.

• understand and be able to identify the ways in which sociocultural factors influence language.
• be able to appreciate the role of language in different types of societies.
• be able to reflect on the implications of this for the learning and teaching of second languages.
• be familiar with the main methods of sociolinguistic research.
• be able to communicate knowledge intelligibly and economically.
• be able to form judgements from conflicting evidence.

One assignment 3000 words 60% (due after the end of the semester), and two class papers 1000 words each, 20% each (due during the semester).

A set of readings prepared by the Department.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• develop their research skills.
• develop their critical thinking and analytic skills.
• be able to communicate ideas through writing.

Subject offered as both online and on-campus. Some restrictions on student visa holders apply. Please contact the course coordinator for more information.