Part 1: Language in Cultural Context

Language as a Window into Human Nature

What is language?

Watch the video and make notes on what you think are Steven Pinker's key arguments.

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.

Woman at Point Zero

Assignment 1

Research the author of Woman at Point Zero,  Nawal El Saadawi and respond to the questions below

You must refer to at least four of the sources listed and provide a reference page

1. Consider what is interesting and unusual about this Saadawi's life.
2. Decide which events in the author's life affected her writing. Make reference to the novel.
3. Think about the number and type(s) of books the author has written. Are they thematically connected?
4. Consider the audience(s) of the books this author writes. Who would you say is her target audience and what is her purpose in writing her novel?
5. Has the author won any prizes or had her books banned? What does that tell you about the book/the author? 

 Sources

A Daughter of Isis 

Walking through Fire

Nawal El Saadawi: Egypt's radical feminist

Nawal El Saadawi wikipedia

Divorce of outspoken feminist

Sparknotes

Nawal Al Saadawi

 
Due date  11th April

Assignment 2

Using the information you have obtained concerning the life of Nawal El Saadawi repond to the question below.

The personal history of an author can have significant influence on the way meaning is constructed in his/her writing. Comment on specific instances of such influence in El Saadawi’s ‘Woman at Pont Zero’.

Guidelines

1. Remember to write an introductory paragraph.
2. Make references to context.
3. Use specific examples from the novel to support your claims.
4. Each paragraph apart from the intro. And conclusion must be P.E.D.E.Ed
5. Check on spelling and tenses. Vary your sentences.
6. This will be assessed using the Paper 2 criteria.

Due date  20th April