Researching Language

This subject introduces a range of fundamental theories of the nature of language and approaches to the analysis of its structure and use. The way we will do this is to critically examine 6 sets of readings representing current issues, debates or opposing points of view; to make explicit their theoretical backgrounds and assumptions, how this affects the course of their arguments, and what counts as ‘evidence’. Many of these sets of articles represent a conflict between ‘emic’ (abstract, ‘insider’ knowledge) and ‘etic’ (observable, measurable) approaches; an opposition which is pervasive across linguistics and applied linguistics. All materials will be made available through LMS. Students are encouraged to begin reading early.