2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

LING5005M Languages in Contact

30 creditsClass Size: 15

Module manager: Dr Pier Pischedda
Email: p.s.pischedda@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module enhances students' understanding of languages in contact. The emphasis in this module will be on sociolinguistic aspects of language contact, interrogated through examples from worldwide multilingual realities. We cover the three main branches of contact linguistics, in particular concerning: (1) how languages influence each other from a linguistic perspective, (2) how multilingual speakers experience multiple languages and (3) the role of multilingualism in society.

Objectives

Through lectures, practical seminars and online resources, this module aims to:
(1) Introduce major issues concerning languages in contact including how languages coexist in the brain and the consequences of such coexistence, how individuals and communities use multiple languages simultaneously, how societies construct and promote monolingual versus multilingual norms;
(2) Develop understanding of the phenomena that occur when languages come into contact including borrowing, codeswitching and language attrition;
(3) Train students to interpret real-life linguistic data related to language contact phenomena
(4) Develop critical awareness of the articulation of monolingual ideologies as well as the exploitation of multilingualism in the real world

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. demonstrate a clear understanding of the terminology, concepts, and information used in the study of languages in contact;
2. show critical understanding of language contact phenomena;
3. present a structured, coherent and well-articulated argument regarding languages in contact using information from different sources, referenced appropriately;
4. show critical awareness of multilingualism in society

Skills Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
5. demonstrate advanced core skills in analysing real-world data
6. demonstrate advanced academic and digital skills (academic writing, time management, digital proficiency and productivity)
7. demonstrate work-ready skills (problem solving and analytical skills, active learning, core literacies)

Syllabus

Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	10	1.50	15.00
Practical	5	1.00	5.00
Seminar	5	1.00	5.00
Private study hours			275.00
Total Contact hours			25.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			300.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student progress is monitored through seminar and tutorial contributions and participation in whole class teaching. Feedback on the essay will be provided prior to the exam. Students also have the option of submitting an essay plan before the official submission in order to receive targeted feedback and can consult the module leader during office hours.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	2500 words	50.00
Online Assessment	48-hour OTLA	50.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 02/02/2024

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