Mythbusters: Beliefs and Truths About Language

Description

Synopsis: This module introduces you to a range of deep-rooted myths and misconceptions about language, which are widespread among the general public or perpetuated by popular media. It invites you to critically examine the claims surrounding these myths and the evidence from empirical findings. The module guides you to an informed understanding of the issues implicated in these myths and helps you become an informed consumer of popular science. Myths and misconceptions considered in the module will range from issues concerning the nature of language, to issues in language processing, language acquisition, and language use. You will be introduced to tools for conducting principled searches on published materials on these myths, including popular science reports (e.g., magazine and newspaper articles) as well as academic sources (including reviews and empirical reports). You will be expected to synthesize research-based findings surrounding these issues, and present them in different formats. Notes: Available to visiting and exchange students Taught in English (no Welsh equivalent) Syllabus: The module will engage with a selection of deep-rooted myths and misconceptions about the nature of language, language acquisition, and language use (including the interfaces of language and society), such as: Myths about the ‘nature’ of language, e.g., some languages are more primitive than other; non-standard dialects are lazy and deficient; our language limits our thoughts. Myths about language development in multilingual children, e.g., speaking and maintaining the home language (in bilingual families) is detrimental to development of English (or other language of schooling). Myths about language learning, e.g., adults can’t learn new languages. Myths about language in use, e.g., women talk more than men; texting is detrimental to literacy development. Misconceptions about speech and writing, e.g., ‘writing is formal; speaking is informal’. Delivery: Primarily on Campus Contact Hours: 22 hours of lectures 11 hours of seminars Learning Outcomes: By the end of this module the student should be able to: 1. Recognize and explain some long-standing myths and misconceptions surrounding language; 2.Summarize, compare and evaluate different positions in the debate around these myths and misconceptions; 3.Examine and interpret basic quantitative findings (e.g., descriptive statistics), including data represented in tables and figures, in research reports; 4.Recognize and use different writing genres (e.g., narrative, description, persuasion); 5.Apply the conventions of a recognized stylesheet for academic writing (specifically, APA) Transferable Skills: 1. Professional/Disciplinary Competence Critical reading and thinking; Ability to interpret quantitative data in tables and figures in popular science and empirical reports; Ability to recognize different writing genres (e.g., narrative, expository writing, persuasive writing); Ability to correctly follow the conventions of a recognized style sheet (e.g., APA). 2. Innovative Thinkers identify critical aspects of claims and assertions around language and language use 3. Address Global Challenges Understand the relationship between language use and attitudes, and matters of equality and social justice 4. Effective Communicators Ability to comprehend and synthesize basic quantitative data in empirical reports; Ability to synthesize and communicate research-based findings in writing and in oral presentations; Assessment Method: Coursework 1, Coursework 2