In this seminar we will investigate morphological and syntactic properties of the different major and minor varieties of English found across the globe. We will take a descriptive approach to English grammar, not arguing which grammatical structures are correct, but which grammatical structures exist, and why. After looking at the history of English, how it spread to different continents and how it was influenced by contact with the languages there, we will dive more deeply into the grammar to see how similar or different the prescriptive standard is from the vernaculars in use. This course is most suitable for you if you have a genuine interest in grammar, varieties of English and analysing linguistic data. It is open to all undergraduate students who have successfully completed Module A/ Module II.
Preparatory warm-up
Familiarise yourself with the Electronic World Atlas of Varieties of English: http://ewave-atlas.org/
Watch “The concept of language”, interview with Noam Chomsky: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdUbIlwHRkY |
