Deaf Studies and Linguistics

This module explores perspectives and theories that help to explain deaf differences, identities, and emancipation. We will examine positive processes of deaf identity, divisions and differences through the lens of deafhood and deaf gain. We will also consider the contexts in which deaf lives flourish and contribute to a better understanding of the diversity of humanity and our varied ways of being.

The module aims to investigate the major concerns of sociolinguistics, that is, how language and social organisation intersect. Several models which determine language variation are examined, both on a social-group scale (national language policies, dialects etc.) and on an individual scale (style-shifting, registers etc.)

This module builds on 4LN001 How Words and Sentences are Formed. While you continue to develop a deeper understanding of the concepts of phonetics and phonology, you will start to work on the basic concepts of morphology. (The syntax strand will be re-visited in 6LN004 More about Words and Sentences). In phonetics and phonology you will move from investigating the physical production of speech sounds at segmental level, to the exploration of syllable structure, stress, intonation and connected speech, and the systems and patterns of speech sounds in a language. You will gather, transcribe, explore and analyse examples of spoken data in order to draw conclusions about the articulation of sounds, and the regularities and patterns that underlie their use. In the morphology strand, you will look at different types of word-formation processes, explore the notion of productivity and constraints on productivity. You will also look at morphology and its relation to the lexicon, phonology and syntax. The module is practical in orientation. You will be given ample opportunity to apply the concepts you have learned to the analysis of data of English and will also be encouraged to draw on your experience of other languages.

This module aims to take students with no prior knowledge of the target language to A1 standard in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and to encourage an evaluation of different language learning strategies and techniques.

This module will develop the students’ production and comprehension of British Sign Language across a different number of work related themes and topics. Upon completion of the module, students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of Elementary BSL linguistics, discourse protocol and be able to express their views and opinions using the appropriate grammar and vocabulary for this level.

This module aims to facilitate students in rising one stage (A2) in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

This module aims to introduce students to core linguistic theories and interpretative frameworks regarding the ways in which people produce and understand meaning through language. At the end of the module, students will be able apply semantics (meaning) theories to instances of language use, using appropriate technical terminology, and draw meaningful conclusions.

This module aims to help students prepare for their final year project by introducing them to the basic concepts, types and methods of research for English language, Linguistics and TESOL.

This module provides opportunities for community-based learning through voluntary community engagement. This activity enables students to understand the relevance of their studies within a community context, combining practical experience with academic studies. In addition, it is an opportunity to develop a critical understanding of the Third Sector, and the notion of citizenship. Both subject specific and transferable skills will be developed and utilised throughout this module, thus developing graduate employment attributes.

& nbsp; This module provides students with an opportunity to build upon knowledge gained to date by, working with an external agency which provides services to deaf people, in order to carry out an agreed programme of research/activity which is both useful for the agency and, which generates experience of independent study in the Deaf community for the student. Considerable planning, organisation and negotiation is required in order to establish the Link experience, prepare sufficiently, conduct the activity and complete the project.

The aim of this module is to raise students' awareness of the multi-faceted ways in which people exploit linguistic resources in order to achieve their interactional goals in everyday situations. The module focuses on the ways in which individuals use language to express their concerns and to further their own interests. In particular, it considers the ways in which people use language to cooperate with one another or to resist coercion, to foster harmonious relationships or deliberately cause offence and provoke conflict. In the module, we analyse interaction in a variety of contexts, for example, the use of humour to create solidarity or conflict in everyday speech and written texts; the use of online communities to create identities and offer support; or the use of online media as a site for debate and resistance. During the course of the module, students will work both individually and in small groups. They will carry out fieldwork, gathering and analysing data, and will conduct debates in class.

The module aims to explore and develop an understanding of Deaf Art, literature, theatre, film and media. The module will address the cultural practices of the sign language peoples within Deaf Spaces. It will also trace some of these practices through traditional Deaf places, such as Deaf Clubs, Deaf Schools and the BD(D)A, etc. And explore notions of oral (unwritten) culture and deaf folklore.

This module fulfils the requirements of an Honours degree and enables students to work independently on a topic of their choice. It allows students to enhance and demonstrate their research and writing skills; critically analyse their findings and write extensively on an area relevant to Deaf Studies.

This module aims to facilitate your in rising one stage (A2) in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

The module aims to fulfil the requirements of an Honours degree for independent study. It will allow the student the opportunity to research independently and write extensively on an area relevant to Linguistics.

The module aims to enhance and develop a student’s current understanding of BSL language features, cultural knowledge and work-based terminology to prepare them for the Community Link research Module in semester 2 and/or graduate employment. The module will also address cultural and political aspects of the Deaf community which will enhance the students’ knowledge in preparation for employment/Community Link

This module aims to facilitate students in rising one stage (B1/B2/C1) in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

The module aims to provide students with the theoretical framework for the study of language from a psycholinguistic viewpoint in order to study language comprehension and production. The role of memory for language is also examined as well as child language acquisition. The theoretical background to pervasive and specific disorders of language comprehension and production, with an examination of such disorders along with relevant case studies will be considered. This perspective on language pathology will enable a discussion of what & lsquo;normal& rsquo; language is, and the insights gained from language disorders research will help to see their& nbsp;applications in the world of work (e.g. speech therapy,& nbsp;teaching methodology, etc.).

The module aims to explore in greater complexity and detail some of the issues introduced in Language and Society relating to the mechanisms, motivations and outcomes of language variation and change. Particular attention will be paid to the use of case studies to test the key theories of language variation and change.

This module, as its title suggests, looks at how social actions and meanings are communicated between interactants, using Conversation Analytic (CA)& nbsp;techniques. You will be introduced to the methods CA theorists have established, and their key findings.& nbsp;You will apply these techniques to spoken data, using Jeffersonian transcription. You will& nbsp;analyse both& nbsp;everyday and institutional data in terms of practices (eg overlap, repair) and actions (eg requests).

This module builds on 4LN001 How Words and Sentences are Formed and on 5LN004 Working with Sounds and Words. It continues to develop a deeper understanding of the basic concepts of morphology and syntax and the ways in which they are linked to each other. In the morphology strand, by using a range of descriptive and analytical formal devices, you will build on what you have learned in Working with Sounds and Words, to explore language typology, the notion of thematic roles and the theory of case assignment, as well as the relationship between morphology and the lexicon, phonology, and syntax In the syntax strand you will build on the initial work done in How Words and Sentences are formed to explore more complex English sentences. For example, you will explore how clauses can be combined and embedded within each other. You will also be encouraged to explore the ways in which knowledge of phonetics and phonology, morphology and syntax can be applied to the world of work, in Speech Therapy, Forensic Linguistics, Dictionary compilation, the construction of artificial languages, etc. The module is practical in orientation. You will be given ample opportunity to apply the concepts you have learned to the analysis of data of English and will also be encouraged to draw on your experience of other languages.

This module considers the debates around welfare, deaf people and sign language peoples. It also considers the lived experiences of the implementation of public policy in Britain. It will explore the campaigning undertaken by deaf people, sign language peoples and their organisations and its effectiveness. This will allows students to undertake a critical analysis, via portfolio, on a campaign area of their choice.