This course offers a nontechnical exploration of the ways that language is used in America. Emphasizes language as a social institution and how values and goals of both public institutions and private groups shape and are shaped by language and its use.

Learning Objectives

  • Identify and describe basic linguistic features of US dialects (phonemes, morphemes, lexemes);
  • Apply the concept of 'language ideology' to deconstruct pervasive myths about language (e.g. "There is such a thing as accent-free English");
  • Evaluate diverse viewpoints on language debates in the US, using linguistic sources and knowledge;
  • Conduct intro-level sociolinguistic analysis.
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In this course, you will

  • Learn where dialects and accents come from;
  • Debunk language myths and misconceptions;
  • Analyze the language of news and entertainment media;
  • Have opportunities to discuss challenging topics in a supportive environment.
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