230202 Introduction to Linguistics II (S) (SoSe 2025)

In this class, you will be able to apply the different descriptive levels of linguistics introduced in "Introduction to Linguistics I" and deepen your understanding of linguistics. We will look at central aspects of language use such as pragmatics and sociolinguistics (including topics such as bilingualism & multilingualism, language change & historical linguistics, language planning & policies). In addition to this, we will cover other aspects of functional, social, and regional language variation in Britain, North America and the context of World Englishes.

Please note that this course will be conducted digitally in an asynchronous format (i.e. you will be able to progress through and complete the course via Moodle without any in-person meetings or any time constraints, except for a final deadline). Throughout the semester, non-mandatory Q&A meetings via Zoom will be offered (see dates in eKVV).

Requirements for participation, required level

Having completed Introduction to Linguistics I is highly recommended!

Bibliography

• Yule, George (2020). The Study of Language. 7th Edition. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Additional recommended literature:

• Gramley, Stephan, and Vivian Gramley (eds.) (2008). Bielefeld Introduction to Applied Linguistics. Bielefeld: Aisthesis.
• Gramley, Stephan. (2018). The History of English: An Introduction. 2nd Edition. New York: Routledge.
• Jones, Rodney H., and Christiana Themistocleous. (2022). Introducing Language and Society. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
• Meyerhoff, Miriam (2011). Introducing Sociolinguisics. 2nd Edition. New York: Routledge.
• O’Grady, William, John Archibald, Francis Katamba (eds.) (2011). Contemporary Linguistics. An Introduction. 2nd Edition. Harlow: Pearson Longman.