The majority of the world’s population live in social settings where more than one language is spoken, with many people speaking more than one language themselves. This course explores the linguistic processes and outcomes of such settings. We consider contexts of long-standing bi- and multilingualism as well as contexts in which bi- and multilingualism arise, for example due to immigration, colonisation and trade. We examine phenomena such as code-switching, borrowing of vocabulary, adaptation of linguistic structure, language shift, and the creation of new languages. Students are introduced to theories and models of language contact and learn how to use them to critically analyse and understand linguistic data from both synchronic and diachronic perspectives. The course will consider a range of settings from across the world, including Indigenous Australia, the Asia-Pacific and beyond.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- understand and critically evaluate current models and theories of language contact;
- identify and examine different mechanisms and processes and their roles in language contact situations;
- analyse linguistic data with reference to language contact;
- reflect on and articulate how different kinds of language contact settings influence everyday language use; and
- explore situations relating to Indigenous peoples of Australia and more broadly and contextualise them in relation to theories of language contact.
Other Information
Usually offered in alternate years
Indicative Assessment
- 1 Assignment, 1,000 words (20) [LO 1,2,3]
- Essay 3,000 words (40) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Theoretical Report, 2,000 words (30) [LO 1,4,5]
- Tutorial participation (10) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
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Workload
130 hours of total student learning time made up from:a) 36 hours of contact over 12 weeks: 24 hours of lectures and 12 hours of tutorials, and
b) 94 hours of independent student research, reading and writing.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Details of prescribed texts will be provided on Wattle
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 1
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $4320 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $6360 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.