Module Information
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
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 ReadingDurrell, 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