Wilkinson Daniel Wong Gonzales 

This course provides a broad overview of sociolinguistics, the study of language in society. We will examine how language is used to create social connections, establish identities, and exert power and control, using the concept of sociolinguistic variation as a starting point. Through this lens, we will explore the various ways in which language shapes our relationships and constructs ideas of similarity and difference, as well as power dynamics. As you work through learning activities, you will be introduced to the fundamental concepts, practical insights, and research methods of sociolinguistics. From exploring the many ways that language use can vary to examining the connections between language and social factors such as ethnicity, gender, social class, and culture, this course covers a wide range of topics including code-switching, language in the media, styles, identity, language attitudes, language shift and maintenance, and language policy. Drawing from a diverse array of social contexts with a focus on English, this course will provide you with a rich understanding of the field and equip you to think critically about language and its role in society. Overall, the course aims to help you develop a deeper understanding of the course material and your own learning process while also having the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to society.

The Chinese University of Hong Kong Department of English

How is society related to language? Can language affect society, and vice versa? This course serves as a primer for the study of the relationship between language and society – as both an art and a social science. Students will be led through several popular culture examples around the world throughout the course, as they are introduced to the basic tenets of sociolinguistics. They will also have an opportunity to engage with course content with several hands-on activities, such as creating an accent map, translating an ancient English-based language to modern English, and analyzing K-pop videos. Towards the end of the course, students will have the chance to showcase what they learned by sharing learnings with the class multimodally (e.g. memes).

The Chinese University of Hong Kong Faculty of Arts

This graduate-level course is designed to be a comprehensive exploration of research methods in applied linguistics. It equips students with the necessary skills to design, conduct, and analyze research studies related to language use and communication in real-world contexts. Students will be briefed on research paradigms and principles specific to applied linguistics as well as various research designs, including quantitative (e.g., experimental, corpus-based) and qualitative (e.g., case study, ethnographic) approaches, with a focus on their applications in applied linguistics research. The course explores a wide range of data collection methods prevalent in applied linguistics research, such as the survey method, narrative method, ethnographic observation, and the corpus method. Through various course activities, students will gain the necessary skills to select appropriate methods based on their research questions, develop data collection instruments, and effectively manage and analyze datasets. Data analysis techniques, including both quantitative and qualitative methods, will be covered. Students will be given opportunities to analyze quantitative data using statistical software and interpret the results. They will also learn skills in analyzing qualitative data through techniques such as thematic and/or critical analysis.

The Chinese University of Hong Kong Department of English

How is society related to language? Can language affect society, and vice versa? This graduate-level course is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to sociolinguistics, the study of the interplay between language, culture, and society. Through a combination of theoretical concepts, practical insights, and research methods, students will gain a deep understanding of the various dimensions of language use and their significance in diverse contexts, from micro-level interactions to national language policies. We will examine the connections between language practices and social factors such as ethnicity, gender, social class, and culture, exploring topics such as code-switching, styles, identity, language attitudes, language shift and maintenance, and language policy. Drawing from a range of social contexts with a focus on English, this course will equip students with both quantitative and qualitative skills to analyze the relationship between social variables and linguistic practice.

The Chinese University of Hong Kong Department of English

In this course, we will explore the complex relationship between gender and language and how these intertwine with other related constructs such as sex and sexuality. Through an interdisciplinary approach, students will be given the opportunity to work with major theoretical and analytical approaches for investigating how language shapes and reflects societal perceptions, constructs, and experiences related to gender and sexuality (with a greater focus on gender). Students will first be introduced to key concepts and theories related to sex, gender, sexuality, and language. Then, as the course progresses, students will explore the ways in which language both constructs and reinforces social norms, expectations, and hierarchies. It will also emphasize how gender and sexuality intersect with other social constructs/identities, and how these influence language practices. Topics such as gendered language, heteronormativity, linguistic stereotype, variation and gender, and stylistic construction of gender will be covered. We will also delve into contemporary issues and debates surrounding gender, sexuality, and language, where the following topics such as gender-neutral language and the representation of gender and sexuality in media and popular culture will be covered. Throughout the course, students will engage in a range of learning activities. They will develop critical thinking skills, enhance their ability to analyze and interpret language use, and gain insights into the lived experiences of diverse gender and sexual identities and personae. After delving into the theoretical frameworks, historical contexts, and contemporary issues, students will be expected to have a deeper understanding of the ways in which language shapes and reflects gender and sexuality. They will leave the class being equipped with the tools to critically examine and challenge linguistic norms and practices. This course aims to foster inclusive and respectful communication practices and empower students to advocate for linguistic diversity and social justice in their personal and professional lives.

The Chinese University of Hong Kong Department of English

This introductory course at the undergraduate level offers a broad overview of research methodologies in applied linguistics. It equips students with the essential skills needed to design, execute, and evaluate research studies focused on language use and communication in practical settings. The curriculum introduces students to key research paradigms and principles specific to applied linguistics and various research designs, such as quantitative (e.g., experimental, corpus-based) and qualitative (e.g., case study, ethnographic) methods, emphasizing their use in applied linguistics. Students will explore a range of data collection techniques commonly used in applied linguistics, including surveys, ethnographic observations, and corpus studies. The course activities will help students hone the skills to choose suitable methods for their research questions, develop data collection tools, and manage and analyze data effectively. The course covers data analysis strategies for both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Students will practice analyzing quantitative data using statistical software and interpreting results, as well as developing proficiency in qualitative data analysis through methods like thematic and/or critical analysis. This course is ideal for students preparing for their final year projects or capstones, or those looking to enhance their research and analytical skills.

The Chinese University of Hong Kong Department of English

This course offers students an overview of the world Englishes paradigm, focusing on East Asia and the socio-cultural aspects of world Englishes. Divided into two parts, the course begins by introducing foundational concepts, debates, and theories relevant to studying world Englishes. It explores diverse perspectives from linguistics, sociolinguistics, corpus linguistics, postcolonial studies, and language contact, examining how scholars have conceptualized and analyzed ‘English.’ In the second part, students reinforce their knowledge through selected case studies of world Englishes, analyzing various geographical varieties in terms of phonology, morphology, lexicon, and syntactic structure. They also engage in empirical research, collecting data on a specific variety of English and presenting their findings in a pilot study. Additionally, students compare the world Englishes paradigm with the English as a Lingua Franca (ELF) paradigm and contemplate the future of the field. By the end of the course, students will be better prepared to navigate cross-cultural communication situations both within and beyond the university.

The Chinese University of Hong Kong Department of English

In this brief course, we will explore the complex relationship between gender, sexuality, and language. Through an interdisciplinary approach, students will be given the opportunity to work with major theoretical and analytical approaches for investigating how language shapes and reflects societal perceptions, constructs, and experiences related to gender and sexuality (with a greater focus on gender). Students will first be introduced to key concepts and theories related to gender, sexuality, and language. Then, as the course progresses, students will explore the ways in which language both constructs and reinforces social norms, expectations, and hierarchies. It will also emphasize how gender and sexuality intersect with other social constructs/identities, and how these influence language practices. Topics such as gendered language, heteronormativity, linguistic stereotype, variation and gender, and stylistic construction of gender will be covered. We will also delve into contemporary issues and debates surrounding gender, sexuality, and language, where the following topics such as gender-neutral language and the representation of gender and sexuality in media and popular culture will be covered. Throughout the course, students will engage in a range of learning activities, including readings of scholarly articles, analysis of media, group discussions, presentations, and an individual essay. They will develop critical thinking skills, enhance their ability to analyze and interpret language use, and gain insights into the lived experiences of diverse gender and sexual identities and personae. After delving into the theoretical frameworks, historical contexts, and contemporary issues, students will be expected to have a deeper understanding of the ways in which language shapes and reflects gender and sexuality. They will leave the class being equipped with the tools to critically examine and challenge linguistic norms and practices. This course aims to foster inclusive and respectful communication practices and empower students to advocate for linguistic diversity and social justice in their personal and professional lives.

University of Regensburg Department of English