Language Myths (Q1901)

15 credits, Level 4

Autumn teaching

On this module, you’ll identify, and debunk, some popular myths about language. This gives us a way into folk linguistics – the study of what non-academics think about language.

We’ll reflect on what fake beliefs tell us about how people conceptualise language, and language in relation to society and culture. Investigating and fact-checking myths allows you to explore different areas of linguistics and develop your critical skills.

We’ll cover topical myths, which could include:

• ‘I don’t have an accent’
• ‘women talk more than men’
• ‘children learn best with just one language’
• ‘Gen Z can’t use punctuation’
• ‘the original meaning of a word is the true meaning’.

Through this module, you’ll develop skills in communicating linguistics findings and facts to non-expert audiences.

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 150 hours of work. This breaks down into about 33 hours of contact time and about 117 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2026/27. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

Courses

This module is offered on the following courses:

• English Language and Linguistics (with TESOL) BA
• English Language and Linguistics BA