Language and Society

Languages are variable and constantly changing, in response to the social lives and social environments of their speakers. This course explores the interrelatedness of language with social structure, and what influences how people speak in different social environments and situations. Students will learn about how language varies in relation to geographical region, social groupings, gender, age, and situational context. They will learn and practise scientific methods for studying and understanding such variation, and expand their own communication skills by gaining a deeper understanding of the social meanings expressed through language.