Linguistic Variation - 2nd semester
Objectives
By the end of this course students should be able to:
(1) Have a better understanding of the theoretical foundations underlying the analysis of linguistic variation,
according to the historical, geographical and sociocultural contexts in which the speakers of a language
express themselves verbally;
(2) Discuss the main research topics and methods of the research on linguisic variation and change;
(3) Learn and appreciate aspects of linguistic variation, and to examine some of the ways in which language
varies;
(4) Learn and appreciate aspects of linguistic variation and its relation to social contexts of use;
(5) Understand the dialectal and geographic diversity of Portuguese;
(6) Apply the knowledge previously acquired to the analysis of linguistic uses of Portuguese speakers in
different contexts.
General characterization
Code
711131089
Credits
6
Responsible teacher
António H. F. P. A. Emiliano
Hours
Weekly - 4
Total - Available soon
Teaching language
Portuguese
Prerequisites
n.a.
Bibliography
BAUGH, John & Joel SHERZER (eds.) (1984) Language in Use. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, PrenticeHall,
Inc.
CHAMBERS, J. K. (2003) Sociolinguistic Theory. Linguistic Variation and its Social Significance. Blackwell
Publishing, 2ª edição.
CHAMBERS, J.K. & Peter TRUDGILL (2004) Dialectology. Cambridge University Press (2nd edition).
CHAMBERS J. K., Peter TRUDGILL & Natalie SCHILLINGESTES
(eds.) (2003) The Handbook of Language
Variation and Change, Blackwell Publishing.
SEGURA, Luísa (2013) Variedades dialetais do Português Europeu. In E. P. RAPOSO et al. (orgs.) Gramática do
Português. Vol. I. Lisboa: Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian, pp. 85142
Teaching method
There will both theoretical lectures and practical work in class and as homework; and discussion of reading
topics. Summaries and relevant material will be available on \"moodle\". Tutorials will be on students´ request.
Evaluation method
One short written essay with oral presentation (30%); one test (40%); exercises and class activities (30%).
Subject matter
1. Theoretical and methodological concepts:
1.1. language, dialect and variety;
1.2. speakers and communities;
1.3. (linguistic and extralinguistic) variables and variants
1.4. national languages and official languages;
1.5. domains of linguistic variation;
1.6. methods for the study of linguistic variation and change.
2. Language and contexts of use:
2.1. register;
2.2. diglossia;
2.3. style;
2.4. codeswitching.
3. Aspects of dialectal variation (geographic and social)
3.1. regional and social dialects;
3.2. the notions of dialectal continuum, linguistic borders, areas of transition and areas of difusion;
3.3. regional variation;
3.4. dialectal varieties and main isoglosses;
3.5. identification of dialectal areas;
3.6. quantitative studies; discussion of some studies.
4. Analysis of corpora (oral and written productions).