Course Title: ELS 34- Issues and Perspectives in English Language

Course Description:
This course explores various issues and perspectives in the English language, including
historical, social, cultural, and linguistic dimensions. Through a range of readings,
discussions, and projects, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the
evolving nature of English and its impact on global communication.

Week 1-2: Introduction to English Language Studies

Overview of the course
The history and evolution of the English language
Key linguistic concepts
Readings:
Crystal, D. (2003). English as a Global Language. Cambridge University Press.
Aitchison, J. (2013). Words in the Mind: An Introduction to the Mental Lexicon. Wiley.
Week 3-4: Sociolinguistics and Varieties of English
Social aspects of language variation
Regional, social, and cultural dialects
Standard English and its variations
Readings:
Labov, W. (1972). Sociolinguistic Patterns. University of Pennsylvania Press.
Trudgill, P. (2010). Sociolinguistics: An Introduction. Penguin.
Week 5-6: Global Englishes and World English Literature
Spread and development of English as a global language
Post-colonial literature and English
Readings:
Kachru, B. B. (1992). World Englishes: Approaches, Issues and Resources. University of
Illinois Press.
Said, E. W. (1978). Orientalism. Vintage Books.
Week 7-8: Language and Identity

Language and identity formation

Language ideologies and discrimination
Readings:
Bucholtz, M., & Hall, K. (2005). Identity and Interaction: A Sociocultural Linguistic
Approach. Discourse Studies, 7(4-5), 585-614.
Pennycook, A. (2007). Global Englishes and Transcultural Flows. Routledge.
Week 9-10: Language Policy and Planning
Language policy in education and society
Language planning and its implications
Readings:
Spolsky, B. (2009). Language Policy. Cambridge University Press.
Ricento, T. (2000). Historical and Theoretical Perspectives in Language Policy and
Planning. Journal of Sociolinguistics, 4(2), 196-213.
Week 11-12: Technology and Language
The impact of technology on language
Language in digital communication
Readings:
Crystal, D. (2006). Language and the Internet. Cambridge University Press.
Baron, N. S. (2010). Always On: Language in an Online and Mobile World. Oxford
University Press.
Week 13-14: Future Trends in English Language
Emerging linguistic trends
Evolution of language in the digital age
Readings:
Crystal, D. (2012). English as a Global Language: Second Edition. Cambridge University
Press.
Seargeant, P. (2019). The Emoji Revolution: How Technology is Shaping the Future of
Communication. Cambridge University Press.

Assessment:
Class participation- 20%
Class presentation-30%
Mid-term examination- 20%
Research project- 30%
I. Overview of the Course
Understanding the significance of studying English language issues and perspectives is
crucial for effective communication. The course objectives and expectations provide a
roadmap for what students will achieve, and the weekly topics offer a comprehensive
exploration of various aspects of the English language.
Importance of Studying English Language Issues:
variations in English dialects can impact communication and highlight the importance
of addressing these issues in a globalized world.
Course Objectives and Expectations:
The course aims to enhance critical thinking about language use, fostering a deeper
appreciation for the intricacies of English.
Relevance of Weekly Topics:
Explore how the history of the English language provides context for contemporary
linguistic phenomena, such as code-switching in multilingual communities.
Interactive Learning Approach:
Discussion of the benefits of collaborative projects where students analyze real-world
language situations, promoting a hands-on understanding of course concepts.
II. The History and Evolution of the English Language
This section delves into the historical development of the English language, from Old
English to Modern English. It explores external influences and events that shaped the
language over time.
Old English vs. Modern English:
Analyzing an excerpt from an Old English text and compare it with a modern version
to highlight linguistic transformations.
Influences on English Development:
Exploring how the Norman Conquest introduced French words into English, shaping
the vocabulary we use today.
Language Evolution Timeline:
The implications for language evolution (key linguistic shifts, such as the Great Vowel
Shift)
III. Key Linguistic Concepts
Introducing basic linguistic concepts like phonetics, morphology, syntax, semantics,
and pragmatics provides students with a foundation for understanding the structure
and function of language.
Introduction to Linguistics:
How linguistics helps us analyze language scientifically, enabling a systematic
understanding of linguistic phenomena.
Exploring Basic Linguistic Concepts:
Break down a sentence to illustrate how morphology and syntax contribute to its
structure.
Language Variation:
Explore how regional dialects can vary in pronunciation and vocabulary,
emphasizing the diversity of English.