How Languages Work (Q1902)

30 credits, Level 4

Spring teaching

On this module, you’ll consider what you know if you “know” English.

From individual sounds to complex sentences, the sophisticated language we produce has many layers of structure. It’s easy to take that structure for granted, to not even notice it, if you speak the language fluently. But, if you come to English after learning another language, you’ll notice more of English’s peculiarities.

By examining the sounds and grammar of English through the lens of language-learning, we’ll explore what makes English English. You’ll also develop the analytic and descriptive skills we need for linguistic research.

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 300 hours of work. This breaks down into about 55 hours of contact time and about 245 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
• English Language and Literature BA