English Structures

This course is an intensive introduction to the linguistic structures of English, covering pronunciation (phonetics & phonology) and grammar (syntax & semantics). A key feature of the course is one of comparison - in part one we compare pronunciation systems across varieties of English and other languages, and in part two we compare the sentence structure of English to that of other languages. This course will be valuable for anyone planning to teach English as an additional language, or those who want a detailed introduction to the analytical tools linguists use to study English and other languages.

30 points

Subject to approval of the Head of Department.

Variation and Theory

Advanced study of aspects of the use of language in social contexts.

30 points

Subject to approval of the Head of Department.

Sociophonetic Research

Aspects of socially-conditioned phonetic variation in speech. These include sound change, social and regional variation, phonetic style-shifting, and the study of how socially-conditioned phonetic variation can be accommodated by models of speech perception and production.

30 points

Subject to approval of the Head of Department.

Research Essay

30 points

Subject to approval of the Head of Department.

World Englishes

English is one of the most widely-spoken languages in the world, and nowadays more people learn and speak it as a secondary language, as compared to people for whom it is their first language. As English spread, it underwent changes along the way, and therefore we have a multitude of different varieties existing alongside each other: in addition to those seen as more standard, like British English or American English, we find New Zealand English, Singapore English, Nigerian English, and many more. As a language professional working with English (such as a teacher, writer, editor or policy maker) you are therefore very likely to come across speakers of these variable World Englishes. This course explores some of the historical, political and social issues associated with the development of different World Englishes, discussing key structural differences between varieties of English along the way. Against this background, we will pay particular attention to practical challenges facing language professionals. For instance, what is the role of standardisation and standard language ideology? How can we support students from diverse language backgrounds? How do learners’ attitudes towards their target variety affect their eventual proficiency? How do we codify new and emerging varieties?

30 points

Subject to approval of the Head of Department.

MA Dissertation

MA Dissertation

60 points

Subject to approval of the Head of Department.

MA Thesis

120 points

Subject to approval of the Head of Department.

MLing Thesis

In this course students design and carry out a research project, with the support of an academic supervisor. The research topic is decided in collaboration between the student and supervisor. Research training is also provided.

90 points

Subject to approval of the Head of Department.