Module manager: Dr Pier Pischedda
Email: p.s.pischedda@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
Students are required to have completed one of the following modules: -MODL1060 Language: Structure and Sound -MODL1090 Intercultural Competence -MODL1401 Discourse, Culture and Identity
| LING2421 | Multilingualism in Society |
LING3005 – Languages in Contact
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) Examine the terminology, concepts, phenomena and information used in the study of multilingualism and language contact;
(2) Interpret real-life linguistic data and scenarios related to multilingual phenomena and relate these to wider language contact theories;
(3) Present a highly critical, coherent and well-articulated argument regarding multilingualism using information from different sources
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
(4) analyse complex sociolinguistic data;
(5) formulate a coherent and logical argument using effective communication skills
| 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 through seminar contributions and participation in whole class teaching. Feedback on the essay will be provided prior to the exam. Students also have the option of submitting an essay plan before the official submission in order to receive targeted feedback and can consult the module leader during office hours.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Essay | 50 |
| Online Assessment | Online Time Limited Assessment 48 hours | 50 |
| 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: 02/05/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team