EKIA463 Language and Identity (5 cr)

Every time we use language, we identify ourselves in some way—both through what we say and how we say it. On this course students overview the connection between language use and identity, while discussing related themes of social power, discourse and ideology. We explore how language influences and constructs individual and group identities, including aspects such as culture, ethnicity, gender, and age. We also examine the influence of digital communication platforms and emerging technologies on language use and identity construction in virtual spaces.

After completing the course, students will be able to:

• understand the relationship between language and identity,

• understand various approaches to language and identity research,

• analyse ways in which identities are constructed in discourse,

• understand the social origins and implications of the language/identity connection,

• discuss and debate socially relevant issues within language and identity research.

The study materials will be available in Moodle.