126-086 The Nordic Languages in Society

European studies students wishing to enrol in this subject would normally have completed first-year European studies.

The Nordic region can be defined as consisting of Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Greenland and is represented by eight indigenous languages spoken by some 22 million people. This subject investigates the languages and speech communities of this region and focuses on the ecology of these languages, ie. their interrelations with each other and the communities in which they function. Topics discussed also include the inter-linguistic relations between the Nordic region and the rest of the world, the relationships between majority and minority languages, dialects and sociolects versus standard, language planning, as well as aspects of mutual intelligibility and 'semi-communication'.

• be able to seek and evaluate information and new ideas critically, including Internet resources;

• be able to plan and execute tasks and projects efficiently and independently as well as part of a team.

Assignments totalling 1500 words 35% (due during the semester) and a research essay of 2500 words 65% (due at the end of semester)

A course reader will be available for purchase from the School.

• L Vikør, The Nordic Languages. Their Status and Interrelations. Novus Press 1993.