175-212 Language and Identity

This subject introduces students to the ways in which language indexes and constructs identities in social contexts. It introduces students to a range of theoretical approaches, and the distinctive research methodologies associated with each. These include language socialisation; studies of language in social interaction using the techniques of conversation analysis, discourse analysis (including critical discourse analysis): and poststructuralist approaches to language and subjectivity. Topics covered will include gender-related language use, language and racism, language and sexuality, the negotiation and deployment of identities in face-to-face interaction, and the way language and discourse construct and maintain a sense of 'otherness'. On completion of the subject, students should be able to recognize ways in which language and discourse construct particular social identities of relevance to themselves, and critically analyse ways of thinking about the complex phenomenon of language and identity.

• communicate intelligibly and economically their understanding of debates within this area;

• understand the social and cultural context of the construction of identities in and through language.

Two 2000-word essays, 50% each (one due mid semester, one due at the end of the semester).

A reader will be available.