230154 Exploring Accent and Dialect Variation in the British Isles (S) (WiSe 2026/2027)

Resulting from extensive language contact throughout its history, the British Isles nowadays display a high degree of cultural, multi-ethnic and, consequently, linguistic diversity. In this course, we will explore dimensions of this diversity on the British Isles through the lens of dialectology. As a sub-field of sociolinguistics, the study of dialects is concerned with language variation, especially the geographic distribution of linguistic features which differ from Standard English.

Building on the linguistic foundations from both lectures, this seminar explores regional and social variation, i.e. the different dialects and accents, in the British Isles from a sociolinguistic perspective. We will discuss selected case studies addressing regional and social variation, and consider different social variables (age, gender, ethnicity, education, ...) as well as the sociolinguistic implications of using a certain variety in everyday speech. We will learn about different methods of data collection in dialectological and variationist research.

Most importantly, we will engage in hands-on dialectological research into regional and social variation ourselves. As part of a group research project, students will learn to describe, analyse and interpret cases of language variation on the British Isles. Further details will be made available in the first session.

Requirements for participation, required level

Having completed the other elements of the Basis3 module (i.e. "Introduction to English Linguistics" (Basis3.1) and "Introduction to Sociolinguistics" (Basis3.2)) before attending this seminar is highly recommended.