BA (Hons) Linguistics

Taking a descriptive approach to the grammar of English, this module gives you a grounding in how to describe some of the most important grammatical features of the language. You will learn how to identify and classify grammatical categories and functions, and how to analyse the structure of phrases and sentences.

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This module introduces you to the methodologies of linguistics and language analysis. You will be introduced to different types of linguistic evidence, the techniques of linguistic analysis, and to the conventions used for presentation of data and analyses in linguistics. Classes are interactive and include a variety of activities to help you practise new skills.

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This module introduces you to the sounds of speech, syllable structure and word stress, as applied to English. You will learn how to describe and classify consonants and vowels, transcribe speech sounds, and identify and analyse syllable structure and word stress.

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This module introduces you to language as a social and cognitive phenomenon. You will examine the complex relationship between language and society as well as children's language development and their socialisation into their linguistic communities.

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What are the 'building blocks' of language? Following on from Structure of English, this module explores the structure and internal organisation of English and other languages in greater depth. You will gain practical experience in analysing words, phrases, and sentences.

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This module will introduce you to the study of meaning in language and its role in communication. It addresses such questions as why some sentences can be interpreted in more than one way, and how context affects the way in which sentences are understood.

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This module will give you a solid theoretical and practical knowledge of how languages are systematically alike and different in their basic sentence structure. Drawing on data from English and other languages you will gain practical experience in forming and testing linguistic hypotheses and rules.

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In this module you will examine different approaches to studying language variation and change. You will examine different outcomes of language contact situations, and discuss how the growing recognition of the complex nature of socioeconomic class, ethnicity, age and gender has triggered important shifts in variationist research design and analysis.

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In this module you will develop an understanding of how the sound systems of English and other languages are structured, as well as how and why they may differ from one another other.

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Communication is possible because languages are meaningful. This module looks at key aspects of meaning in language, such as the interpretation of nouns, verbs, and adjectives in English and other languages, and how the literal meaning of complex expressions can be predicted from the literal meanings of their parts and the way in which they are combined.

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This module introduces you to the idea and uses of a corpus – a collection of texts, stored on computer, and sampled to represent different types or varieties of a language. Because a corpus can be easily searched by computer, it offers a unique way of exploring language as it is actually used – which doesn’t always match our predictions, or even previous research.

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You will be introduced to key concepts underlying TESOL methodology (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and become familiar with the basic approaches, materials and procedures and the principles of lesson planning and classroom management.

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You have the option to study a modern foreign language through the UWLP, which is practical in content and available at four levels (stages): Stage 1 (complete beginner), Stage 2 (Grade A*-C at GCSE), Stage 3 (Grade C or below at AS level), Stage 4 (Grade D or below at A2 level). The lower stages help you cope with everyday situations abroad or when dealing with visitors to this country, and the higher stages enable you to use the language in more professional contexts.Available options include French, Spanish, German, Italian, Mandarin Chinese or Japanese.

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This module looks at some of the most important current approaches to the study of language, including some of the alternative theoretical frameworks and types of evidence used in contemporary linguistics.

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In this module you will gain an understanding of aspects of linguistic communication which result from the interaction of linguistic meaning, context, and principles of human cognition. You will study some of the current theoretical frameworks which aim to explain how utterances are interpreted in context, and apply them in the analysis of data drawn from your own experience in communication.

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Babies are not born talking, they learn language, starting immediately from birth. What exactly do they learn? How does this process take place? When do children master the skills needed for successful communication? What stages do children go through as they learn to understand and talk? In this module you will be able to address these questions by taking a close look at the cognitive mechanisms by which children acquire their first language.

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Languages appear to have a limitless capacity for describing new concepts by resorting to a limited number of word formation processes. When a new verb, adjective or noun is introduced into a language, speakers know instinctively how to use the correct word form. In this module you will examine processes of word formation and the rules governing the internal structure of words.

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In this module you will learn how to carry out a quantitative study of linguistic variation and change. You will go through all the steps involved in conducting a variationist research project. You will gain experience in collecting, storing, transcribing, coding and analysing vernacular data (with due regard for ethical concern), and write up the results of your analyses for an end-of-term paper.

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This module investigates two kinds of recent change in English: a) change in “established” types of English (e.g. newspaper reports, and fiction) since the mid-20th century; and b) the emergence of new communications media (e.g. text messaging and email). Students use different resources and methods to investigate these developments, and engage critically with theories of change that have been proposed.

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English is now the most widely spoken language in the world. Its expansion has resulted in unprecedented growth in regional varieties, as well as impact on local languages. The module explores the emergence, characteristics and status of English(es) around the world today, in its different aspects, e.g. historical background vs. contemporary situation, and native speakers’ vs. non-native speakers’ viewpoint.

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You will develop an understanding of the global context of English language teaching and of the approaches, materials, and techniques of English language teaching to non-native speakers. You will be introduced to language learning needs analysis and develop the ability to plan and manage sequences of English language lessons.

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In this module you will research, plan, structure and coherently present a sustained piece of academic writing (8,000–10,000 words). You will work independently to investigate a topic related to the modules you have followed in linguistics. You will select, interpret and evaluate the knowledge acquired and generate your own ideas and personal response to it.

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 You have the option to study a modern foreign language through the UWLP, which is practical in content and available at four levels (stages): Stage 1 (complete beginner), Stage 2 (Grade A*-C at GCSE), Stage 3 (Grade C or below at AS level), Stage 4 (Grade D or below at A2 level). The lower stages help you cope with everyday situations abroad or when dealing with visitors to this country, and the higher stages enable you to use the language in more professional contexts. Available options include French, Spanish, German, Italian, Mandarin Chinese or Japanese.

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