LFU:online

Knowledge about regularities and norms in language and language use. Ability to critically reflect norms, their status and their social implications.

Ability to critically handle and reflect different research methods. 

Ability to analyze language use on the basis of linguistic research and codifications and to judge (lay linguistic) argumentation on linguistic norms.   

Is language vulnerable? Is it endangered? Language has to follow regularities but does it also need norms that define the “good” and “correct” use? What is the relation between norms and varieties, norms and language change? What are the attitudes of language users towards norms? The course will focus on language system as well as on sociolinguistic perspectives.

Presentation, preparatory reading and discussions, 1-2 (short) presentation(s)

Oral and written: preparatory reading, active participation in class, 1-2 (short) presentation(s); written exam (mid term or final), term paper

To be announced in the course