Brief description
This module covers two main areas of research on bilingualism: it investigates bilingualism in local community contexts; and it examines research on codeswitching in bilingual discourse.

Aims of the module

• To provide an introduction to the study of bilingualism in its social context
• To develop an awareness of the issues (of theory and method) which lie behind different research approaches
• To consider the implications of recent research findings for language policy development in bilingual settings

Syllabus
The lectures are based on:

• different models of diglossia;
• the use of social network analysis in research on language maintenance and shift;
• ethnographic approaches to the study of bilingualism and bilingual literacy;
• critical and historical perspectives on bilingualism.
• codeswitching in bilingual discourse;
• a selection of studies carried out in bilingual settings in Wales, in other areas of Britain, in Europe, USA and Canada, Africa and Asia.

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

• Demonstrate an ability to place their own experience of living and studying in a bilingual university and a bilingual community within a wider research and policy context
• Show a critical understanding of different approaches to the study of bilingualism