English and drama

Regional Variation in English

Module code: Q1081
Level 5
15 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Seminar, Lecture
Assessment modes: Coursework

You are introduced to regional variation in the English language, including:

• a survey of regional differences in phonology, grammar and lexis
• an overview of the methodological basics of modern dialectology
• an introduction to important theoretical concepts in variationist linguistics.

We begin with a look at variation in Britain. We also look at English in postcolonial contexts and ‘new’ Englishes and creoles, paying attention to language attitudes and language policy.

Module learning outcomes

• Demonstrate factual knowledge of the phonological, grammatical and lexical variation found in English
• Apply this knowledge in the analysis of written and spoken data
• Demonstrate an understanding of the basic social, historical and linguistic factors that explain regional variation