This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
This module will explore the reasons for the initial exclusion of extralinguistic (i.e. social) data from linguistic theory, and the limitations of traditional dialectology, before exploring some early variationist studies by Trudgill (Norwich) and Labov (Martha's Vineyard; New York) and examining their theoretical bases. It will then examine the advances brought about by network studies (e.g. Lesley Milroy in Belfast), and the extent to which they offer a challenge to traditional assumptions in sociolinguistic methodology, which critically evaluates the so-called sociolinguistic gender pattern. The later lectures focus more specifically on issues of change, looking initially at neogrammarian theories and then the claims of Trudgill, James Milroy and others that certain kinds of change are predictable in specific types of social arrangement.
Total Contact Hours: 20
Essay (2,000 words) – 40%
Presentation (20 minutes) – 20%
Examination (2 hours) – 40%
Indicative Reading List:
Chambers, J. (2003; 2nd ed) Sociolinguistic Theory. Oxford: Blackwell.
Chambers, J.; Trudgill, P. & Schilling-Estes, N. (eds) (2002) The Handbook of Language Variation and Change. Oxford: Blackwell.
Fasold, R. (1990) The Sociolinguistics of Society. Oxford: Blackwell.
Labov, W. (1996/2001) Principles of Linguistic Change (Vols 1 and 2). Oxford: Blackwell.
Trudgill, P. (2004) New Dialect Formation: The Inevitability of Colonial Englishes. Oxford: Blackwell.
Trudgill, P. (2005) Sociolinguistics. Harmondsworth: Penguin.
Wardhaugh, R. (2005) An Introduction to Sociolinguistics. Oxford: Blackwell
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
Demonstrate critical understanding and use the conceptual terminology of variationist sociolinguistics (e.g. variable, variant, style, indicator, hypercorrection, age-grading);
Show how language and social factors are inter-related;
Demonstrate familiarity with theories of language change;
Demonstrate critical understanding of the significance of sociolinguistic data as presented in charts and graphs;
Evaluate critically the social bases for linguistic value judgements;
Demonstrate critical understanding of the technical (and ethical) problems of sociolinguistic data collection.
University of Kent makes every effort to ensure that module information is accurate for the relevant academic session and to provide educational services as described. However, courses, services and other matters may be subject to change. Please read our full disclaimer.
