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LN4016: PERCEPTUAL DIALECTOLOGY (2021-2022)

Last modified: 31 May 2022 13:05


Course Overview

As linguists, we have a lot to say about language; but so too do ‘normal’ people. While other areas of linguistic study are concerned with analysis of speech production, perceptual dialectology is interested in what people have to say about language (which, usually, is a quite a lot!)In this course, we will investigate non-linguists’ perceptions of regional differences and how their beliefs about language correspond to both wider social issues and documented linguistic evidence. 

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 4
Session First Sub Session Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr William S. Barras

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • Any Undergraduate Programme
  • Programme Level 4
  • Language And Linguistics (LN)

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

None.

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

This course will introduce the history of perceptual dialectology as a field and investigate the ever-evolving methodologies which have accompanied its development. We will consider what we stand to gain as linguists by gathering ‘folk’ perceptions of language and examine how language attitudes can be used to supplement discussion of documented variation and change. 

By the end of this course, students will:  

  • have an understanding of how perceptual dialectology fits into the wider sphere of linguistic study 
  • be familiar with and able to employ a number of methods for collecting perceptions of language 
  • be able to conduct basic analysis of the data collected using established methods associated with perceptual dialectology 

Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 31 August 2023 for 1st half-session courses and 22 December 2023 for 2nd half-session courses.

Summative Assessments

Tutorial/Seminar Participation

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 25
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Feedback

Based on engagement during seminars and on weekly tasks assessing knowledge and understanding of methodological elements of PD.

Feedback to be provided via MyAberdeen.

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualUnderstandHave an understanding of how perceptual dialectology fits into the wider sphere of linguistic study.
ProceduralAnalyseBe able to conduct basic analysis of the data collected using established methods associated with perceptual dialectology.
ProceduralCreateBe familiar with and able to employ a number of methods for collecting perceptions of language.

Essay

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 75
Assessment Weeks 19 Feedback Weeks 22

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Feedback

Essay based on aspects covered in the course

Written feedback provided.

Word Count 3000
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualUnderstandHave an understanding of how perceptual dialectology fits into the wider sphere of linguistic study.
ProceduralAnalyseBe able to conduct basic analysis of the data collected using established methods associated with perceptual dialectology.
ProceduralCreateBe familiar with and able to employ a number of methods for collecting perceptions of language.

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Resit Assessments

Essay

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 100
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

Look up Week Numbers

Feedback Word Count 3000
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ConceptualUnderstandHave an understanding of how perceptual dialectology fits into the wider sphere of linguistic study.
ProceduralCreateBe familiar with and able to employ a number of methods for collecting perceptions of language.
ProceduralAnalyseBe able to conduct basic analysis of the data collected using established methods associated with perceptual dialectology.

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