Linguistic variation

Objective

The aim of this module is to provide students with the knowledge of the social, diatopic and contextual variability of language. This elective module can be productively combined with all specializations as long as the individual focus is on sociolinguistic, dialectological, or interactional aspects of language. The contents of the module can be combined particularly well with the other two modules focusing on different aspects of variability, “Historical Linguistics” (diachronic variability) and “Language Typology” (cross-linguistic variability), as well as with the two modules devoted to the interpersonal and identity-forming functions of language (“Language in Interaction” and “Language and Culture”).

Course content

In the context of this module, the focus is on an approach to language that can be circumscribed by the terms sociolinguistics, pragmatics, variational linguistics, and dialectology. The focus is on language as a variable, heterogeneous but nevertheless systematically describable phenomenon. Social, regional, historical, medial, and situational-functional aspects come into view. All levels of linguistic structure are considered. Essential features of a variation perspective on language include: the ways language is interwoven in social contexts; language as a phenomenon that has historically 'come into being'; and the analysis of language under the aspects of system, use, evaluation, and contact. Overall, this module maintains an empirical orientation.
The focal points of such a variation-based perspective are the study of sociolects (including group-based, specialized, and special languages); the continuum of dialects, colloquial/regional languages, and standard languages; and research of the history of language and name research. In addition, in the special sense of an applied orientation of the module, language contact research and multilingualism issues come into view as well as language evaluation research. In the latter topics, particular attention will be paid to practical aspects, especially with regard to migration research and multiculturalism.

Learning outcomes

Students will acquire numerous new abilities and skills in this module. They will be able to describe, analyze, and interpret sociolectal and dialectal manifestations of language and their meanings. They will be able to interpret the significance of these manifestations for the success or failure of communication processes. Students will have become familiar with the research field and will have developed necessary communication skills with people interested in linguistics, e.g. in teaching or information contexts. They will be able to apply their knowledge of linguistic variability in practical contexts, such as multidialectal or multilingual teaching. Students will be able to actively apply the acquired knowledge on theoretical and methodological aspects of linguistic variation.