Description
Content: Language is powerful. The way we use language is one way of establishing our social identity, both in terms of how we perceive ourselves and in how we portray ourselves (for example, through social media). It shapes what others think about us (for example, in job interviews) and how we judge others, often without even noticing. Language is also used in areas such as politics, advertising and the media to persuade, inform and shape our behaviour. In this module we will explore the ways in which language is used for the purposes of communication in everyday life.
Teaching Delivery: Ten weekly 2-hour lectures which often include discussion. Students are given directed readings - and other further learning resources - associated with each topic.
Indicative Topics: Language Matters; Language and Power; Language & Identity; Forensic Linguistics; Political Linguistics; Consumer Linguistics; Internet Linguistics; Health Communication
Module Aims: This module aims:Ìý
1) To explore the relationship between language and identity;
2) To challenge everyday assumptions about what language use can communicate about the speaker;
3) To examine whether and how language can be used to persuade;
4) To demonstrate how linguistic knowledge and skills can be applied to understand language use in a variety of contexts
Module deliveries for 2024/25 academic year
Last updated
This module description was last updated on 19th August 2024.
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