BLS1202 Sociolinguistics

This course is based on the principle that language influences and is influenced by society. The course therefore analyses this relationship. It introduces students to discussion of social factors that influence language use – leading to variation in speech. It examines language diversity and the role and function of language in society. The course is aimed at enabling students to appreciate, accept and respect diversity as a natural phenomenon.

Course Objectives 

• To expose students to the concept of sociolinguistics
• To give students insight into the nature of sociolinguistics 
• To improve students’ knowledge of language use in society
• To acquaint students with the necessary sociolinguistic requirements for English usage 

Learning outcomes
By the end of the course students’ will be able to: 

• Explain and illustrate the variations in language
• Explain how various social variables affect language use
• Justify the existence of language variations
• Discuss the implications of language variation to classroom practice
• Evaluate various decisions made in society that affect language