The module provides students with an introduction to the study of linguistic diversity in Africa and the African diaspora. It will explore the four language phyla of Africa, comparing the ways that they differ and their main characteristics from a linguistic perspective. It will also explore aspects of African languages in diasporic communities in different parts of the world. The module covers topics related to structural variation in Africa languages, including sound systems and word and sentence structure. We will focus on those linguistic characteristics that distinguish the language groups of Africa from other more widely studied language families. The module will also provide you with an opportunity to explore issues relating to sociolinguistics, language identity and language policy as these play out in the African context. We will explore the effects of multilingualism and language practices and how these impact identity and language policy in different African contexts.
- Module Supervisor: Hannah Gibson