Language and Society in Europe

This subject examines the relationship between language and society in Europe. It focuses on issues of relevance in an increasingly integrated Europe in which European and other languages are in contact through migration, travel, business, and mass media, and in which English is taking on an important role as a lingua franca. The topics to be covered include: the relationship between majority and minority languages, dialects and the standard language, bilingualism and multilingualism, semi-communication, language planning at state and European levels, politeness and forms of address, and the status and influence of English.

• 1Be able to engage critically with different perspectives and issues pertinent to language and society in Europe
• 2Be able to communicate knowledge effectively about Europe's complex language situation in oral and well-informed written assignments
• 3Have developed a detailed knowledge of language-related issues in European society
• 4Have developed research skills in fields of European sociolinguistics
• 5Have developed a broad understanding of the impact of Europe's social and political development in relation to language issues in Europe today
• 6Have acquired broad critical insights through their engagement with Europe that prepare them for becoming good global citizens
• 7Be able to work effectively in groups to meet a shared goal with people whose disciplinary and cultural backgrounds differ from their own.