Language Variation and Diversity

Course aim

To advance students' understanding of the diversity of language and the variation found in any language and the social implications of the use of different varieties.

Course content

Students will review the types of variation found in any language across geographical regions, social groups and time and apply this knowledge to critically analyse the maintenance or loss of languages and language varieties. Students will examine the ways in which languages vary across space (regional dialects), social levels (register and style, standard and non-standard varieties), and time (language change), and critically analyse the effects of this variation. They will research the social and linguistic consequences of the use of multiple languages or varieties by individuals, communities and whole societies, and critically review the factors which lead to a community maintaining their traditional language variety, shifting to another variety or another language, or developing a new language or variety.

Textbook(s)

Nil

Prerequisite(s)

Completion of any two second year courses from the Linguistics major/sub-major within the Bachelor of Arts, or by approval from the Program Director. COURSE ALERT: This course is not available to students who have completed: LANG 2026 Language Diversity: Variation, Choice and Change

Corequisite(s)

Nil

Teaching method

Component	Duration
INTERNAL, MAGILL
Lecture	2 hours x 13 weeks
Tutorial	1 hour x 13 weeks
EXTERNAL, MAGILL, ONLINE
External	3 hours x 13 weeks

Note: These components may or may not be scheduled in every study period. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Assessment

Analytic assignment, Case study, Essay

Fees

EFTSL*: 0.125
Commonwealth Supported program (Band 1)
To determine the fee for this course as part of a Commonwealth Supported program, go to:
How to determine your Commonwealth Supported course fee. (Opens new window)

Fee-paying program for domestic and international students
International students and students undertaking this course as part of a postgraduate fee paying program must refer to the relevant program home page to determine the cost for undertaking this course.

Non-award enrolment
Non-award tuition fees are set by the university. To determine the cost of this course, go to:
How to determine the relevant non award tuition fee. (Opens new window)

Not all courses are available on all of the above bases, and students must check to ensure that they are permitted to enrol in a particular course.

* Equivalent Full Time Study Load. Please note: all EFTSL values are published and calculated at ten decimal places. Values are displayed to three decimal places for ease of interpretation.