This course investigates the elements of the English language and how these elements are organised in such a way as to allow speakers and writers to combine them to convey messages which can be instantly decoded by listeners (readers). The emphasis will be on grammar (syntax and morphology), although we will also explore some of the connections between grammar and semantics. In the first and larger part of the course, students will be introduced to the grammar of Standard Modern English, learning terminology and analytical techniques which linguists use to build on and modify traditional grammar. The structural characteristics of English will be compared with those of other languages where appropriate. The last part of the course will deal with variation in English, including regional, social and stylistic variation. Special attention will be paid to 'new Englishes' which have arisen as a result of the learning of English as a second language by people whose first language is not English.

Note: While the course is not aimed at improving the English of non-native speakers, students with English as a second language should find that this course will improve their understanding of the workings of the language at a deep level and have practical effects in helping them to eliminate systematic errors in their English.  These students as well as native speakers of English will learn metalanguage which will be of assistance to them in understanding and acting on constructive criticisms made by teachers on the language of their essays and other writing.