There are no pre-requisites for this module to be added

The module content will provide you with an understanding of a number of theories of language, such as how language can affect thought (e.g. Sapir Whorff (see Hua 2004 (ed.)), representations of language, such as how it plays the role of a game (e.g. Saussure, Wittgenstein), the importance of dialogue and conversation in creating meanings (e.g. Bakhtin), different ‘formal' levels of language used in different media and text types, or genres (e.g. Swales) and how to analyse writing and speaking, or discourse (e.g. Fairclough). The module content also considers the role of language in culture (e.g. Scollon and Scollon), different cultures (or ethnographies) of communication (e.g. Dell Hymes), and theories of multilingualism and globalisation (e.g. Blommaert, Canagarajah). The seminar format will allow for a discussion of these aspects, in particular how they apply to written and spoken texts taken from professional contexts. We will reflect on and critically evaluate how language is used, focusing on the impact and influence language has. Both the theory and practice will help you to be aware of the effect of language usage choices you hear and read, and also the language usage choices you make when you speak and write yourself. This will help you to be more effective in your professional career (Usunier, 2011).

Upon completion of this module you will be able to

LO1: critically evaluate a range of theories of language at a lexical, sentence and extended discourse level.

LO2: assess and apply theories of the ethnography of communication, multilingualism, and globalisation.

LO3: assess and apply a range of theories of language to the use of language in a range of professional contexts.

LO4: critically reflect upon and evaluate the effect and meaning of the use of language in a range of professional contexts.