The course aims to provide the coordinates for the social interpretation of linguistic variation with reference to contemporary Italian. At the end of the course, students will be able to: -Demonstrate an understanding of linguistic variation in both spoken and written forms; -Relate linguistic variables to the social and cultural contexts that influence them; -Identify different registers and styles of communication according to specific contexts; -Appreciate linguistic diversity by recognizing its social and cultural significance.
Course Prerequisites
No prerequisites required
Teaching Methods
-Lectures -Practical exercises -Use of digital resources
Assessment Methods
Written assessment
Contents
1. Introduction to Sociolinguistics and its main theoretical frameworks.
2. The dimension of linguistic variation: -Diatopy (variation related to geographical area and place of origin). -Diastrathy (variation related to social factors, such as education and occupation). -Diaphasy (variation related to context of use). -Diamesia (variation related to the medium or channel of communication).
3. Varieties of Italian (characteristics and types): -Regional Italian. -Standard Italian. -Neo-standard Italian. -Popular Italian.
4. Language and sociolinguistic variables: -Language and gender. -Language and level of education. -Language and age.
5. Language and context of use / medium of communication: -Spoken, written, and transmitted Italian: registers and styles. -The language of mass media: television, radio, and the press. -The language of social networks and the web: Digital Italian. -Political language online.
6. Languages in contact: -Minority languages in Italy. -The Italian of emigrants. -The Italian of immigrants.
