An Introduction to Sociolinguistics: Accents, Attitudes and Identity

Learn what your attitude to accents and dialects says about yourself and society

We all have preferred accents and ways of speaking, but what makes something ‘good’ or ‘bad’ English? On this course, you will explore where our attitudes to language come from, how they are formed, and what they tell us about society.

You will be introduced to a range of sociolinguistic research methods and learn what these methods tell us about our individual sense of identity. You will also study their impact on social factors like gender, social class, and national affiliation. Plus, you will determine the real-world implications of language attitudes on our society as a whole.

This course is designed for school or college students who are interested in studying English language and linguistics at University.

It also be of interest to English A Level and Advanced Higher teachers, and anyone with an interest in spoken language and accentism.

This course is designed for school or college students who are interested in studying English language and linguistics at University.

It also be of interest to English A Level and Advanced Higher teachers, and anyone with an interest in spoken language and accentism.

• Describe what is meant by accent and dialect and how attitudes to these are arbitrary
• Reflect upon stereotypes about accent and dialect, and how these impact on real-world interactions
• Develop a better understanding of the approaches used within Sociolinguistic research
• Explore recent developments in the field of Sociolinguistics