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Language and Society in Europe (EURO20001)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5Not available in 2025
About this subject
Overview
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This subject examines the relationship between language and society in Europe. It focuses on issues of relevance in an increasingly integrated Europe in which European and other languages are in contact through migration, travel, business, and mass media, and in which English is taking on an important role as a lingua franca. The topics to be covered include: the relationship between majority and minority languages, dialects and the standard language, bilingualism and multilingualism, semi-communication, language planning at state and European levels, politeness and forms of address, and the status and influence of English.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this subject, students should:
- Be able to engage critically with different perspectives and issues pertinent to language and society in Europe
- Be able to communicate knowledge effectively about Europe's complex language situation in oral and well-informed written assignments
- Have developed a detailed knowledge of language-related issues in European society
- Have developed research skills in fields of European sociolinguistics
- Have developed a broad understanding of the impact of Europe's social and political development in relation to language issues in Europe today
- Have acquired broad critical insights through their engagement with Europe that prepare them for becoming good global citizens
- Be able to work effectively in groups to meet a shared goal with people whose disciplinary and cultural backgrounds differ from their own.
Generic skills
At the completion of this subject, students should:
- Have improved their oral and written communication skills
- Have enhanced skills of critical thinking and analysis
- Be able to communicate intelligibly and economically
- Be able to work productively within a team.
Last updated: 14 March 2025