Prospectus

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Language in Africa.

Course
2009-2010

In Africa, over 2000 indigenous languages are spoken. Moreover, a number of extra-African languages have had great impact on the African sociolinguistic landscape, such as Arabic, Afrikaans, English, Fench and various other colonial languages. In this course, the focus will be on language as a socio-cultural phenomenon. It aims at providing an overview and deeper insight into the linguistic landscape of Africa, and in the role that language plays in African society. Subjects which will be developed are:

  1. Micro sociolinguistics of Africa: Individual language profile

  2. Macro sociolinguistics of Africa: The galaxies of languages

  3. Speech and Language community, multilingualism, social motivations for code-switches and compartmentalization of language use

  4. Language contact and communication patterns; network analyses

  5. Language as a social construct

  6. Language policies

  7. Language rights

  8. Language in education

  9. Language development

  10. Language in the mass media and communication

  11. Language as a cultural heritage

Rooster

Tuesdays, 11-13h. Times and period can be changed depending on restrictions of those who are interested.

Onderwijsvorm

Seminar

Leerdoelen

The main objective of the course is to provide the students with a good insight into the many issues which are at stake when considering the cultural phenomenon called language in an African context.

Literatuur

Will be announced in class.

Toetsing

Weekly presentations by students on the basis of literature.

Informatie

With Prof. Mous.