Language, Identity and Nation (R9028)

15 credits, Level 5

Spring teaching

On this module, you’ll explore the reciprocal relationship between speakers of various languages and the societies, nations and states in which they live.

The module falls into two sections. The first takes a sociolinguistic approach and you’ll examine the relationship between:

• ethnicity
• class
• gender
• sexuality
• other variables.

You’ll consider the way in which they shape language communities and the enclaves within them – how language interacts with these markers of identity defining and refining them.

The second section explores the socio-political factors that employ language in the process of nation building and imagining. You’ll look at theories of nationalism and examine the relationship between culture and national identity in the case of:

• anti-Ottoman Arab nationalism
• the linguistic basis of Arab ethnic identity.

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 150 hours of work. This breaks down into about 22 hours of contact time and about 128 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.