Norwegian as a Second Language: A Sociolinguistic Perspective

Norwegian as a second language and sociolinguistics are two established research disciplines in Norway, but they are rarely viewed in relation to each other. Central questions are: What significance can sociolinguistic theories about language attitudes, dialect vs. standard language, and language and identity have in second language research? Through the course of lectures and seminars the two subject areas will be used to interilluminate each other, and thus a foundation is laid for further studies in the interplay between two established academic traditions.

KNOWLEDGE:
The candidate:

• Has knowledge of different scientific approaches to processes that involve linguistic variation and change that originate from the language contact situation between minority and majority groups.
• Has knowledge of a range of language situations characterized by variation and change with particular focus on conditions in a multilingual Norway.
• Understands the key methodological issues related to data collection and working with informants.
• Makes use of a knowledge based reference framework which can be exploited in the teaching of Norwegian as a second language for linguistic minorities.

SKILLS

The candidate:

• Can identify and discuss phenomena related to variation and change in spoken and written language, which originate from contact between majority and minority groups.
• Can use key sociolinguistic theories and methods in the exploration of various language situations in a multilingual Norway.
• Can reflect critically and independently on the social outcomes of language change processes.
• Can use a rich conceptual framework within sociolinguistic descriptions related to linguistic connections between majority and minority language users.
• Can reflect on observations and practical methodology in second language teaching of linguistic minorities.

Lectures and seminars. More on assessment: Obligatory activities must be approved before the candidate can submit the term paper. The size of this assignment must be between 5-8 typed A4-pages (line spacing 1.5).
The size of the term paper depends partly on the subject, but is usually between 15-30 typed A4-pages (line spacing 1.5).