30713 - Sociolinguistics (LM)

Learning outcomes

.This course aims to present the methods and different ways through which communication and language can be considered and analyzed as social and cultural dimensions. During the course will be examined the various types of linguistic varieties, the linguistic construction of reality and the social representations reflected in it, the relationship between communication, language and individual and collective identities. The course will also draw upon important issues as the sociology of language, the correlation between language and social acting, language and the construction of social realities. Research labs and workshops of sociolinguistic nature will take place through the development of the course. These labs will take in examination concrete types of languages and their various spoken and written repertories. The final purpose of this course beside from laying the theoretic bases of the field, resides in initiating the students to methodology research and practice research. According to a larger picture, the course aims at establishing a correlation between Sociolinguistic principles and Didactic ones.

Course contents

The course will cover the following topics:

• General section: fundamental concepts and methodological tools of the sociolinguistic approach;
• Advanced topic 1: language planning in plurilingual and multilingual contexts outside Europe, with a focus on Africa;
• Advanced topic 2: immigrant languages in Italy, with a particular focus on the contemporary linguistic landscape of Bologna.

Readings/Bibliography

The preparation of the following textbook is required:

Barbara Turchetta, Margherita Di Salvo, Caterina Ferrini, Linguistica migratoria. Dinamiche, itinerari, identità, Carocci, 2026.

 

Recommended readings:

Vittorio Dell'Aquila, Gabriele Iannàccaro, La pianificazione linguistica. Lingue, società e istituzioni, Carocci, 2004 (numerose ristampe).

Djouroukoro Diallo, Lynn Kisembe, Taiwo Oloruntoba-Oju, Bert van Pinxteren, Addisalem Yallew, The Relevance of Language Policy in Africa, LPIA 1(1), 2025. https://bop.unibe.ch/LPIA/article/view/12340

Teaching methods

Lectures. Students attending the course are expected to participate actively in class.

Assessment methods

Oral examination.

An excellent grade requires a thorough knowledge of the course content, mastery of the relevant terminology, and the ability to analyse issues critically and make connections across topics. A satisfactory but less secure command of the material will result in a good or fair grade, while predominantly rote learning combined with limited analytical skills will be sufficient for a passing grade. Significant gaps in knowledge and inappropriate use of terminology will result in a failing grade.

Teaching tools

The PowerPoint presentations used in the course will be made available to students each week.

 

Students with SLDs or temporary or permanent disabilities:

we suggest that you contact the relevant university office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en) and your teacher immediately to work together to find the most effective strategies for attending classes and/or preparing for exams.

 

Any requests for exam accommodations must be made at least 15 days before the date of the exam, by sending an email to the teacher and copying (Cc) the email address disabilita@unibo.it (in case of disability) or dsa@unibo.it (for students with Specific Learning Difficulties).

Office hours

See the website of Francesca Dell'Oro