230103 Urban Sociolinguistics (S) (WiSe 2020/2021)

In this course, we will be looking at research on language use in urban environments. This will include a look at the adaptation and expansion of sociolinguistic theory when applied to urban language life, and involve topics of language contact and change, as well as issues of language and identity, language policy and planning or social networks. We will be looking at the investigation of language practices such as code-switching and mixing or methods of investigation, such as linguistic landscaping. The research questions driving the field are diverse, making it a highly multidisciplinary endeavour. Therefore we will be looking at a number of studies investigating urbans sociolinguistics, reflecting different research agendas as well as theoretical and methodological orientations. We will discuss the advantages and limitations of approaches, but you will also spend a significant amount of time in the field. You will design and conduct your own small-scale research project and present the results of your investigation at the end of the semester.