MDL603   Language in Context   (15 credits)

Description

This module starts from the assumption that language is fundamental to all forms of communication, social life (both online and offline) and our understanding of reality. This poses challenges for all kinds of intercultural contact - be it through translation, other forms of intercultural communication, or through the analysis and interpretation of the cultural 'other' in cultural productions and the media. The module sets out to explain how language interacts with the world around us and how communication is impacted when we cross linguistic and cultural barriers . Each week, we'll analyse real-life examples of norms through concepts such as politeness, contextualisation, implicature, metaphor, framing and ideology to enhance our understanding of culture and language-specific communicative norms, interactional patterns, text types, genres and the creation of meaning in communication. The module includes an introduction to presenting academic work through digital media.

Reading List