ELSC-Module-1

Course Outline for ELSC 109: Introduction to Language, Society, and Culture

Course Description

• Explores the relationship between language and society.

• Investigates how language varies in different social contexts, affecting socialization, globalization, and domination.

• Examines social meanings conveyed through language and aspects of cultural identity.

• Discusses language change and shift in both monolingual and multilingual communities.

• Review of theories of language and application to sociopolitical contexts including social media.

• Training in methodologies for analyzing natural speech, including videotaping and transcription.

Objectives

Knowledge Objectives

1. Explore theories of language-society-culture relationships.

2. Understand language diversity and complexity.

3. Analyze language use across varying social and cultural practices.

4. Develop research skills using diverse primary and electronic sources while maintaining research ethics.

5. Gain in-depth insights into social factors affecting language.

Skills Objectives

1. Participate in data-related activities individually and in groups.

2. Engage in debates on sociolinguistic research methodology.

3. Refine writing and multimodal presentation skills.

4. Understand individual differences in political, cultural, and religious perspectives influenced by language.

5. Think critically about language use to promote peace and healthy relationships.

Values Objectives

1. Cultivate intercultural awareness and sensitivity towards language differences.

2. Appreciate the diversity in spoken and written language.

3. Foster love for foreign languages as means of expression.

4. Recognize the beauty and diversity of languages.

Directions/Module Organizer

• Read module content thoroughly, including discussions and learning activities.

• Utilize credible resources for assignments, submitting outputs via provided Google Classroom link.

Course Requirements

• Extensive readings on assigned topics in language, culture, and society.

• Completion of learning activities.

• Scholarly paper output covering learned topics due post-course.

Grading System

• Midterm Grade: 60% Class Score (CS) + 40% Midterm Exam

• Final Grade: 60% CS + 40% Final Exam

• Breakdown: 40% of Midterm Grade + 60% of Final Grade.

Course Content

Module 1: The Nature of Language and Language Study

• Lesson 1: Introduction to Language

• Lesson 2: Macro and Micro Linguistics

Module 2: Plurality of English

• Lesson 1: World Englishes and Philippine English

• Lesson 2: Multilingualism

Module 3: Language and Human

• Lesson 1: Features of Human Language

• Lesson 2: Language Functions

Module 4: Languages and Culture

• Lesson 1: Origin of Language

• Lesson 2: Theories in Language and Culture

Module 5: Language and History

• Lesson 1: The English Language Family Tree

• Lesson 2: Old English, Middle and Modern English

Module 6: Applied Linguistics

• Lesson 1: Ethnolinguistics

• Lesson 2: Code Switching

• Lesson 3: Discourses of Language in Cultural and Social Relevance

References

1. Burkette, A. P. (2015). Language and Material Culture. John Benjamins Publishing Company.

2. Danesi, M. (2020). Language, Society and New Media: Sociolinguistics Today. Routledge.

3. Lisanza Muaka, L., & Lisanza, E. M. (2019). Language in Contemporary African Cultures and Societies. Lexington Books.

4. Mooney, A., & Evans, B. (2019). Language, Culture and Power: English-Tamil in Modern India, 1900 to Present Day. Routledge India.

5. Stanlaw, J., Adachi, N., & Salzmann, Z. (2019). Language, Culture, and Society: An Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology. Routledge.

6. Tallerman, M. (2020). Understanding Syntax. Routledge.

7. Tsui, A. B. M., et al. (2017). Language Policy, Culture, and Identity in Asian Contexts. Routledge.

Module 1: Introduction to Language, Society, and Culture

Lesson 1: Introduction to Language

• Language as a central mechanism of thought and identity.

• Dynamic nature of language and its role in personal interactions.

Language Definitions

• Definitions:

  • Sapir: Language as a non-instinctive system of symbols conveying ideas.

  • A.H. Gardiner: Language encompasses all signs of thoughts and feelings.

  • Mario A. Pei & Frank Gaynor: Language as a communication system by sound among humans.

Macro Skills in Language Acquisition

• Essential macro skills: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing, and Viewing.

• Interdependence of skills for effective communication.

Listening

1. Importance of listening as foundational for comprehension.

2. Active listening improves relationships and reduces conflict.

3. Strategies:

   • Top-Down: Relies on background knowledge and context.

   • Bottom-Up: Based on the language structure.

Reading

• Multifaceted process involving:

  • Word Recognition: Identifying words in print.

  • Comprehension: Constructing understanding from words.

  • Fluency: Achieving accurate and automatic reading.

Writing

• Essential skills for effective expression.

• Steps: Topic selection, research, outline, draft, revision.

Viewing

• Importance of visual literacy in understanding and analysis.

• Conveying meaning from visual information in various formats.

Summary of Macro and Micro Linguistics

Macro Linguistics

• Broad examination of how languages are structured and used.

• Includes phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics.

Micro Linguistics

• Narrow focus on language systems and cognition.

• Encompasses psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics, neurolinguistics, and discourse analysis.