Course Description
Introduces students to the study of linguistic variation in Spanish. Among the topics to be covered are geographic, social, and linguistic factors in language variation and dialectology. Students will analyze specific cases of variation in present-day Spanish dialects in Latin America, Spain, and the United States.
Athena Title
Spanish Dialects
Prerequisite
SPAN(LING) 3050 or SPAN(LING) 3050E
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Recognize major dialect areas of the Spanish-speaking world, including the United States. 2. Understand the principles of linguistic variation and basic patterns of variation in Spanish across different components of the grammar (e.g., phonology and syntax). 3. Understand and apply basic methodologies of sociolinguistics and dialectology. 4. Pursue more advanced study of Hispanic linguistics (i.e., at the graduate level). 5. Identify research topics derived from knowledge acquired about the subject area.
Topical Outline
I. Introduction to Language Variation and Dialectology II. Dialectology and variationist sociolinguistics III. Dialect areas of the Spanish-speaking World: Spain IV. Dialect areas of the Spanish-speaking World: Latin America V. Introduction to the study of language variation: Methodologies VI. Issues in language variation: Phonology and Phonetics VII. Issues in language variation: Syntax, Morphology, and Lexicon VIII. Variation and Social Factors IX. Language Contact X. Bilingualism and Multilingualism XI. Language Variation and Change
Syllabus