Gwybodaeth Modiwlau

Module Identifier
GE20420
Module Title
An Introduction to Variation in German
Academic Year
2014/2015
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1
Pre-Requisite
(Normally) Eligibility for entry to Level 2 German: pre-requisite for GE30420
Other Staff

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Seminars / Tutorials 12 per semester
Lecture 8 per semester
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Exam 2 Hours   written examination  50%
Semester Assessment Essay c.1,500 words (30%); linguistic commentary 20%  50%
Supplementary Exam 2 Hours   written examination  100%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

Recognize variation in German and be able to relate it to its extra-linguistic correlates and will be able to identify and characterise major regional/situative varieties of German. By writing an essay the students will learn how to carry out independent research. In addition they will learn to analyse what they have read, to structure it cohesively and coherently and to express themselves in a suitable register. The linguistic commentary develops analytical as well as linguistic skills.

Brief description

Students will be introduced to some of the major dimensions along which the German language varies and will be helped to develop a better understanding of the role of variation in German, and the relationship between variation and social factors. It will also enhance students' knowledge of linguistics as a science more generally. This module is normally a prerequisite for GE30420: Language and Society in the German-speaking Countries.

Content

1. What is German? How do we distinguish languages from dialects?

2. Along what dimensions does German vary (written / spoken; age; social class; geography; formality / informality, etc.)

3. What is register? Register variation in German.

4. Regional variation in German: how is it related to register variation?

5. Language contact

6. Multilingualism in Germany

7. General tendencies in modern German

Reading List

Essential Reading
Durrell, Martin (2003) Using German: A guide to contemporary useage Cambrige University Press Primo search Stevenson, Patrick The German -speaking World Routledge Primo search
Recommended Text
Barbour, Stephen; Stevenson, Patrick (1990) Variation in German: A critical approach to German sociolinguistics Cambridge University Press Primo search Clyne, Michael (1995) The German language in a Changing Europe Cambridge University Press Primo search Fox, Anthony (2005) The Structure of German, 2nd edition Clarendon Primo search Konig, Werner (1985) dtv-Atlas zur deutschen Sprache 6th edition dtv Primo search

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5