EKIS2001 Study of Linguistic Landscapes (5 cr)
Description
Content
Traditionally, linguistic landscape (LL) research investigates how languages in public signs are used in certain geographical locations such as public squares. The selection and visibility of the languages can indicate the relative power relations and status of the linguistic communities living in the area. Recenlty, the focus of LL analyses has become more interdisciplinary by taking a social-semiotic discursive approach and by integrating the study of online spaces as linguistic landscapes. Both offline and online landscapes will be examined in the course. The theories will also touch upon language awareness and language policy issues.
Completion methods
Attendance and participation in class, pair and group work, presentation, course paper
Assessment details
Asssessment is based on participation in class, home assignments and the course paper.
Learning outcomes
- interpret the social, cultural and historical contexts of language use in public signs,
- recognize and understand the meanings generated by the use of languages in public (online and offline) spaces,
- differentiate between top-down and bottom-up categories of signs,
- see how space can influence the use of languages,
- interpret websites as online linguistic landscapes,
- see the use of languages in public signs as a language policy concern.
Additional information
Students may be absent from no more than two classes.