Language and Communication in Applied Linguistics

The aim of this course is to introduce students to the exploration and analysis of languages as meaning-making systems, and the fundamental distinction between language structure and the functions of language Students will be introduced to the ways in which human language is used to communicate, and the similarities and differences between language and other communication systems. Students will explore the range of languages found in the world today, and investigate the distinction between language structure and the functions of language. They will examine and analyse the linguistic features of languages (sounds, words, sentences, texts) at an introductory level, and critically consider how language is used.