Sociolinguistics and Education

Synopsis

TSL 505 Sociolinguistics and Education explores fundamental concepts and theories in sociolinguistics. Variation in language and language use are considered in relation to the variables of location, class, culture, gender, change and ideology. Special attention is placed on how an understanding of the operation of these variables bears on the issues of language policy, planning and education practice in Singapore and elsewhere.

Level: 5
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: EVERY JULY
E-Learning: BLENDED - Learning is done MAINLY online using interactive study materials in Canvas. Students receive guidance and support from online instructors via discussion forums and emails. This is supplemented with SOME face-to-face sessions. If the course has an exam component, this will be administered on-campus.

Topics

Languages, dialects, styles and registers
Pidgin and creole languages
Regional variation, social variation and variation studies
Diglossia, code-switching and code-mixing
The ethnography of communication
Language and culture
Language and gender
Language and disadvantage
Language change
Language planning
Bilingualism and multilingualism
Sociolinguistics and language teaching

Learning Outcome

Examine the fundamental concepts of sociolinguistics
Discuss the major theories of sociolinguistics
Analyse the relation between language and culture
Evaluate the issue of language, gender and disadvantage
Critique the issue of bilingualism/multilingualism, language policy and planning
Appraise the impact of sociolinguistic processes on classroom practices

Part-time Programmes / CET Courses

Singapore University of Social Sciences

Sociolinguistics and Education