This course looks at language use in different contexts by different users and language communities. It focusses on how various users and contexts of use influence varieties selected to attain purpose of a communicative act. Theories of sociolinguistics would be traced, regarding geographical and social variations, gendered language, language education, and especially groundbreaking works of Labov and Dell Hymes' communicative competence. Bernestein's contribution to the concepts language class, codesand control will be included. In terms of sociolinguistics and education, influence of home dialect on education and theory of difference vs deficit will be explored. Analysis would focus on authentic texts against the backdrop of selected theories.
- Teacher: Zakia Ali
- Teacher: Romina Singh