EKIS2001 Study of Linguistic Landscapes (5 cr)

Study level:
Advanced studies
Grading scale:
0-5
Language:
English
Responsible organisation:
Department of Language and Communication Studies
Curriculum periods:
2017-2018, 2018-2019, 2019-2020

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

After completing the course, students will be able to
- 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.

Description of prerequisites

EKIA514 Sociolinguistics 1 (recommended, not obligatory)

Study materials

Study materials will be available in Moodle. Further readings will be announced in the course.

Completion methods

Method 1

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Parts of the completion methods
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Unpublished assessment item