EN 603 – Sociolinguistics

Dr.Nadia Touba

Mrs.Pance’ Emara

The course is a comprehensive survey of the rapidly developing field of sociolinguistics. The course points out the areas of dispute and difficulty and draws together the threads of recent research. In all issues covered students are required to display their understanding by applying sociolinguistic theory to the familiar setting of Arabic in the Arab world. The course exposes students to the linguistic studies that explain variation in language at the macro and micro levels. The interdisciplinary nature of sociolinguistics is covered with ample practical application to the middle east context. Students are encouraged to apply the theory covered to the function of varieties of Arabic in Egypt.

The course focuses on the social aspects that influence language. In all issues covered students are required to display their understanding by applying sociolinguistic theory to the familiar setting of Arabic in the Arab world as compared to English in the western world. The course exposes students to the linguistic studies that explain variation in language at the macro and micro levels.

Rubrics for grading essay questions and assignments
• Focus on responding to question/task
• Response covers essential information/knowledge
• Provides adequate/original examples accurate to information
• Grammar & punctuation accuracy/competence
20%Mid-term
20% Class work
60% Final exam

Wardhaugh & Fuller (2015) An Introduction to Sociolinguistics. West Sussex: Wiley Blackwell
Brown & Attardo (2005) Understanding Language Structure, Interaction, and Variation. Michigan: University of Michigan Press

Bell, Roger (1976) Sociolinguistics. London: B. T. Batsford Ltd
www.wiley.com/go/wardhaugh/sociolinguistics