This module will run in term two.

There are no specific language requirements for this module.

LN905 Multilingualism and Global Cultures provides students with a broad knowledge of key research and discussion topics relating to multilingualism. It will expand your understanding of the concept, both as a linguistic construction and as a phenomenon of human action. Through a carefully selected group of core and wider readings, the module aims to break down some of the common (mis)conceptions about what we refer to as ‘language’ – specifically, named languages known as ‘English’, ‘French’, ‘Chinese’, etc. – and what happens when they come into contact.

The module will cover major theoretical underpinnings and new thinking, scrutinising multilingualism as it is experienced, studied, and managed in the following areas:

- Language policy (language beliefs, management, practices)

- Linguistic landscapes (quantitative/qualitative LL research, discourses in place, superdiversity)

- ‘World Englishes’ and linguistic topology (language boundaries, migration, shift, and imperialism)

- Transnationalism (language branding and adaptation, cross-cultural interaction, translocalism)

- New Media and the Internet (online sociolects, discourses, and self-presentation; linguistic trends and phenomena in social media)

LN905 will be delivered as a series of two-hour seminars in weeks 1 - 5, and the two one-hour tutorials in weeks 8 and 10. The five seminars will tackle the topics above, and the tutorials will take the form of a formative essay presentation session, and an essay planning and writing workshop. The seminars will involve comprehension tasks, discussion, and essay planning exercises relating to the topics; the tutorials will offer students the opportunity to present a prospective research question to the group, and to discuss their 3000-word essay planning with their peers and the module tutor.

LN905 has been developed specifically with the MA Translation and CulturesLink opens in a new window course in mind. However, it is open to all PGT students on programmes across SMLC and SCAPVC. Students from other departments wishing to join are requested to contact the module convenor.

By introducing you to a wide range of established and emerging thought and scientific research in each of these areas, the module will offer important inputs into your conceptualisation of language, and how humans perform it in different settings. Moreover, the range of topics is designed to encourage students to delve further into one or more specific areas of personal (and/or dissertation-related) interest, and to be assessed thereon. Within the context of the MA in Translation and CulturesLink opens in a new window, this will permit a wider understanding and critical assessment of translation, not only as an artistic form and technical skill, but also as a process of cross-cultural communication, analysis, and understanding.

Structure

The module consists of 12 teaching hours.

5 x two-hour seminars (weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

2 x one-hour workshops (weeks 8 and 10)

Assessment

100% coursework:

3000-word essay, title to be written by student (subject to approval by module leader). Submitted in week 3 of term 3.

Dr Will Amos