Varieties of the English Language

Language

English

Main themes

This course provides students with a solid background in the study of geographical varieties of English. It starts from the history of the English language and its internationalisation and goes on to show how this has led to the emergence of many different varieties of English around the world. 
Several models will be introduced which have sought to represent the diversity of English varieties, including Kachru's model of the three concentric circles and Schneider's dynamic model of postcolonial Englishes. 
The issue of the norm for the English language will also discussed. 

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :
1	Master the key terms and concepts for studying the geographical variation of English
2	Identify and analyse the linguistic features that characterise certain varieties of English
3	Critically discuss issues surrounding linguistic variation in English
4	Read scientific literature in the domain of English language variation
This learning unit contributes to the development and command of the following skills and learning outcomes of the ELAL programmes (ELAL learning outcomes): 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 2.1, 3.5, 3.6, 4.1, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.6, 6.1, 6.3

Content

This course introduces the key terms and concepts for studying geographical variation in English.

Teaching methods

Lectures and discussions based on scientific articles, exercises, etc.

Evaluation methods

In this course, students are assessed in two ways:

• During the term: oral presentation on a variety of English. Students who have not given an oral presentation will have two marks deducted from their final grade.
• In June and/or September: extended individual written paper on a variety of English.

As we are aiming to train language specialists, particular attention will be paid to language accuracy in the oral presentation and the written paper. The use of generative artificial intelligence is not allowed for the preparation of the oral presentation nor for the preparation and writing of the paper. Their use by the student will be considered as cheating, in the same way as plagiarism.

Online resources

Moodle

Teaching materials

• Notes de cours et documents PowerPoint sur Moodle
• Portefeuille de lectures

Faculty or entity

> ELAL