This module will give you the opportunity to explore varieties of English spoken around the world, learn more about the features which distinguish them, and consider the historical and linguistic changes underlying the differences. The course will include local varieties from Wales, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Ireland, but also varieties from around the world. English will at times be considered alongside other languages spoken in specific areas (previously or concurrently).   

• Examine and explain some of the main features and differences of varieties of English around the world (LO1) 

• Utilise key terminology relevant to concepts in sociolinguistics and how they are reflected across different varieties of English (LO2) 

• Critically assess methods and theories related to the grouping and/or spread of English around the world (LO3) 

• Communicate advanced concepts in an appropriate academic style (LO4) 

The module will be delivered through two one-hour lectures and one one-hour seminar. Lectures will be recorded and available online following the delivery of the live lecture. Lectures are usually supplemented with PowerPoint slides and/or handouts. Audio and visual texts are used in this module, and transcripts will be provided where these texts are analysed in detail or are a core component of the lecture/seminar. 

In addition to the skills formally assessed in this module, you will also practise and develop the ability to: 

•  analyse language data 

• read relevant scholarly works  

• analyse specific cases and issues.  

• use the International Phonetic Alphabet to transcribe speech 

The module will also help develop a range of practical and transferable skills, such as writing succinctly, and organising study time effectively.  

There are three summative assessment components in this module: 

1. A portfolio of weekly tasks (10%, LO1, 2) 

2. An essay (1600 words, 50%, LO1, 2, 4) 

3. An exam (40%, LO1, 2, 3) 

The portfolio of weekly tasks asks you to engage with short exercises related to the content of each week. Weekly tasks as part of the portfolio are expected to be completed each week to assist with accumulation of knowledge and engagement with content, but all should be submitted by at least the end of the semester. 

In the essay, you compare the features of two varieties of your choice and situate them within one of the theoretical models introduced in the module. 

In the exam, you will engage with short essay questions related to a variety of concepts introduced throughout the module. 

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE: 

Opportinities for re-assessment are only permitted provided you have not failed more credit than in the resit rule adopted by your programme.  If the amount of credit you have failed is more than permitted by the relevant resit rule, you may be permitted to repeat study if you are within the threshold set for the Repeat rule adopted by your programme.  You will be notified of your eligibility to resit/repeat any modules after the Examining Board in the Summer period. 

All resit assessments will be held in the Resit Examination period, prior to the start of the following academic session. All resits will be available in the same format as the original assessment. 

The following syllabus shows topics that may be covered in the module. Please note that this syllabus is indicative only. 

• English in England, Wales, and Scotland 

• English in Ireland and Northern Ireland 

• North American English 

• Southern hemisphere English (eg. Australian, New Zealand, South African) 

• Caribbean English 

• Circles of English 

• Spread of English 

• English as a lingua franca 

• Dialect contact and levelling 

• English and colonialism