30713 - SOCIOLINGUISTICA (LM)

Learning outcomes

The course offers an introduction to sociolinguistics and to the main dimensions of linguistic variation and contact. It presents the key areas of study within the discipline and its fundamental concepts, with a focus on the notion of the sociolinguistic variable and the relationship between sociolinguistic and interlinguistic variation. The course also explores the relationship between language, society, and culture, analysing how linguistic communication both reflects and helps construct social and intercultural identities. By the end of the course, students will have an awareness of the synchronic variation of languages, understand the main theoretical models and related research methodologies, and be able to apply the discipline’s categories and methods to the description and analysis of concrete linguistic phenomena. They will also be able to collect and interpret sociolinguistic data, with a critical awareness of the role of language in contemporary social and communicative processes.

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