English linguistics (2016/2017)

Learning outcomes

The course aims at helping students develop their competence in the linguistic analysis of the English language from the linguistic perspectives of sociolinguistics, dialectology, contact linguistics and anthropological linguistics.

During the course we will critically discuss and (re)consider aspects related to the historical evolution of the English language and its geographical diversification, with a special emphasis on phenomena of linguistic/cultural contact and on processes of language variation, hybridity and change.

Main Topics of the course:
Key concepts in the study of English(es)
Models for understanding the spread of English
English: a history of language contact
More on language contact: English based pidgins and creoles, English in contact with minority languages
English in different areas of the world:
English in the Pacific area (Australia, New Zealand)
English in Asia (India, Singapore)
English in the US (Southern American English, AAVE)
English in Africa
English on the British Isles
English as a global voice

Basic Readings:
Saraceni, Mario. 2015. World Englishes. A Critical Analysis. London/New York: Bloomsbury.
Seargeant, Philip and J. Swann. 2012. English in the World. History, Diversity, Change. Routledge (capitoli 3 e 5).
Jenkins, J., Cogo, A. and M. Dewey. 2011. Review of developments in research into English as a lingua franca. Lang. Teach. (2011), 44.3, 281–315

Students who attended only part 1 should prepare the following texts:
Saraceni, Mario. 2015. World Englishes. A Critical Analysis. London/New York: Bloomsbury (capitoli 2, 4, 5).
Seargeant, Philip and J. Swann. 2012. English in the World. History, Diversity, Change. Routledge (capitoli 3 e 5).
Jenkins, J., Cogo, A. and M. Dewey. 2011. Review of developments in research into English as a lingua franca. Lang. Teach. (2011), 44.3, 281–315


The course will be held in English.

Pre-requisite: C2 level language certificate (Council of Europe)

Oral exam in English.
Types of questions: questions on theoretical issues covered in the course and on related metalinguistic knowledge.
Criteria of assessment: correctness and completeness of the answers, clarity of argumentation, analytical skills, critical and reflective thinking, usage of the appropriate jargon.

STUDENT MODULE EVALUATION - 2016/2017