Part 1: Language in Cultural Context

In Part 1 of the course, students will:

Analyze how audience and purpose affect the structure and context of texts through consideration of:

• the use of persuasive language in political speeches;
• the features of SMS messages; and
• postcolonial rereading of texts.

Demonstrate an awareness of how language and meaning are shaped by culture and context through consideration of:

• the ways in which jargon and professional language are used;
• the ways in which language affirms identity;
• the status given to standard and non-standard forms of the language; and
• the status of minority language in multilingual societies.

Analyze the impact of language changes through consideration of:

• the impact of electronic communication on meaning;
• the influence of government policy;
• the emergence of new vocabulary from the language of groups (for example, young people); and
• the disappearance of vocabulary and language themselves.

LANGUAGE AND GENDER AND SEXUALITY

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FROM THE MOUTHS OF RAPISTS: THE LYRICS OF ROBIN THICKE’S BLURRED LINES

Watch the following video. Comment on the subject matter and language techniques.

Who is the intended audience and what is the purpose of the text?