Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

Opportunities in the global community depend on communication between people of different cultures and languages, across the world or within a single country. This unit explores three aspects of this global multilingualism from linguistic perspectives. Firstly, it examines the background of the distribution of languages around the world and their statuses in the social contexts of different countries. Secondly, just as different cultures may have different languages, there are also different ways of communicating. Even where people are speaking the same language, these different ways of communicating can result in miscommunication which is sometimes subtle and can undermine the goals of their interaction. Thirdly, the unit examines the two main strategies to bridge the gap between languages—learning another language and using translation and interpreting.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationMode
Not available in 2024UWA (Perth)Face to face
Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 1 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) describe the general pattern of diversity of the world's languages, their geographical distribution, and the social contexts of multilingualism from the perspective of sociolinguistic theory; (2) demonstrate understanding of communicative difference across cultures from linguistic perspectives, including cross-cultural pragmatics and contrastive analysis; and (3) demonstrate understanding of the nature and theories of the acquisition and use of second languages, and understanding of theories of translation and the practical and ethical issues in interpreting.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) assignments; (2) examination; and (3) tutorial participation. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Celeste Rodriguez Louro
Unit rules
Incompatibility
LING1103 Language, Culture and Society.
LING2240 Language Learning and Applied Linguistics
Contact hours
36—lectures: 2 hours per week (over 13 weeks)
tutorials: 1 hour per week (over 10 weeks)
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.