Introduction to Sociolinguistics

This is an introductory course to the study of the social aspects of language, that is, the intersection of language and society. Classroom discussion focuses on language variation and the different factors such as sex, socio-economic class, age and others that impinge on the sounds, grammar and vocabulary of various languages. Special attention is given to studies carried out in the social context of Spanish-speaking communities. The readings also include an analysis of interaction discourse and conversation, linguistic attitudes, culture and cognition. The course ends with a look at languages in contact and the application of sociolinguistic theory to the teaching of languages. (1 unit)

Required text : Francisco Moreno Fernández, Principios de sociolingüística y sociología del lenguaje, 2nd edition . Barcelona: Ariel, 2005 (ISBN 84-344-8264-9).