Fall 2006

MES 381 • Language and Politics in Language Plan

Course Description

This course will focus on important, though sometimes overlooked, aspects of language and society - language and politics and language planning - which may not be sufficiently accounted for otherwise. It has to be recognized that nations and other political entities do have a significant impact on language planing and language behavior. Whereas, it is especially prominent in societal patterned language behavior and language planning of emerging and developing nations, it may be present, though less overtly, in developed and established nations and societies, as well (including the U.S.). The study of the reflection of various aspects of language and politics in literature (prose and poetry) is likely to add another interesting dimension to this seminar. The same applies to aspects of language of politics. Needless to say, in addition to the study of general trends and practices, attention will be given to representative case studies across nations.

Grading Policy

Grade will be mainly based on: class participation, oral report on a book of the student's choice, discussion of articles, and a term paper.

Texts

Holmes: Intro to Sociolinguisics- ibn 0582328616 Newmey: Politics of Linuistics- #0226577228 Eastman: : Lanuae Planning- #088316552x Cooper: Language Planning & Social Change- #0521336414

back