Module manager: Dr Pier Pischedda
Email: p.s.pischedda@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
Students are required to have completed one of the following modules: MODL1060 Language: Structure and Sound; MODL1090 Intercultural Competence; MODL1401 Discourse, Culture and Identity. Students who have not completed any of these modules should be prepared to do some additional reading to familiarise themselves with linguistic concepts built on in this module. Chapters 1 to 6 of Genetti’s How languages work: An introduction to language and linguistics (Cambridge University Press, 2014) are a good starting point.
| MODL1060 | Language: Structure and Sound |
| MODL1090 | Intercultural Competence: Theory and Application |
| MODL1401 | Discourse, Culture and Identity |
| LING3421 | Multilingualism in Society |
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module addresses the complex nature of multilingualism, exploring why languages influence and shape each other across social, cultural, and geographic contexts. We consider the diverse factors that foster multilingualism, looking at how languages converge in shared spaces, and the role of the multilingual mind in these processes. The emphasis will be on sociolinguistic aspects of multilingualism and language contact, interrogated through examples from worldwide multilingual realities. Overall, the module aims to reveal the rich and sometimes fragile ecosystem of linguistic diversity within multilingual societies. Please note this is an optional module and runs subject to enrolments. If a low number of students choose this module, then the module may not run and you may be asked to choose another module.
Through lectures, practical seminars and online resources, this module aims to:
(1) Introduce major issues concerning the role of multilingualism in society including how languages coexist in the brain and the effects of such coexistence, how individuals and communities use multiple languages simultaneously, how societies construct and promote monolingual versus multilingual norms;
(2) Develop understanding of the linguistic phenomena that occur when languages come into contact, including borrowing, codeswitching and language attrition;
(3) Explore language creation and death through contact, focusing on constructed languages, mixed languages, pidgins, creoles, and language extinction;
(4) Develop critical awareness of the articulation of monolingual ideologies as well as the exploitation of multilingualism in the real world
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:
(1) Demonstrate a clear understanding of the terminology, concepts, phenomena and information used in the study of multilingualism and language contact;
(2) Interpret real-life scenarios related to multilingual phenomena;
(3) Present a structured, coherent and well-articulated argument regarding multilingualism using information from different sources
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
(4) apply core skills in analysing sociolinguistic data;
(5) formulate a coherent and logical argument using effective communication skills.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 10 | 1.5 | 15 |
| Seminar | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Private study hours | 180 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 20 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
Student progress is monitored continuously through seminar contributions and participation in whole class teaching. Seminars include guided exercises that closely mirror the format of the final analysis task. Students therefore receive regular in-class feedback on their analytical approach and use of concepts throughout the semester, allowing skills to be developed incrementally and at a consistent pace. This scaffolded approach ensures that students are well prepared and confident when undertaking the 100% analysis task in May.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Portfolio | 100 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team