Description of the Module

This module builds on a foundation of sociolinguistics (the study of languages in their social context) to introduce students to the practicalities of designing, implementing and reporting on language surveys. The purpose of this module is to provide the formal training in survey principles that a person needs to begin work as a language surveyor. It will equip students to plan a research project that will provide an accurate description of the sociolinguistic and other factors that affect language development. The module is structured on the assumption that the students who go on to conduct language surveys will receive further training in survey procedures under an experienced mentor as part of their on-field assignment.