Learn how sociolinguists explore the relationship between language and the expression of personal, social and cultural identity. 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.

Enroll in course

MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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.

What topics will you cover?

- Introduction to the study of language attitudes

- How do you measure attitudes?

- What is the relationship between language and identity?

- Why language attitudes matter

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you'll be able to...

- 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
Who is the course for?

This course is designed for school or college students who are interested in studying English language and linguistics at University. This course will also be of interest to English A Level and Advanced Higher teachers, and anyone with an interest in spoken language and accentism.