In this module, students gain a deeper understanding of how and why languages change and how historical language research is conducted.
We explore the development of recent as well as historical changes to the English language, occurring throughout the language system: grammar, morphology, word meaning, and phonology.
We consider how and why innovations take place; the relationship between language change and language variation; and the spread of change throughout the speech community. Students are introduced to processes of language change e.g. grammaticalization.
We discuss the difficulties and limitations of historical language research. This includes an examination of the use of electronic corpora as a tool for investigating language change and the new research field of historical sociolinguistics.
Students engage with recent and seminal literature in language variation and change and gain practical experience of using historical language corpora.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of how languages change over time and how linguistic changes spread through populations.
Demonstrate understanding of the research methods applied in historical language research
Demonstrate an appreciation of the limitations of, and the recent advances in, historical language research
Demonstrate an appreciation of changing attitudes to and theories of language change
Assessment
29697-01 : Assignment One : Coursework (50%)
29697-02 : Assignment Two : Coursework (50%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
Assessment: 1 x 2000 word essay (50%); 1 x data analysis project (presentation of data + 1000 word report - 50%)