Students will be introduced to elements of socio-linguistics, i.e. the effects of culture on language, with a focus on dialectology and a close look at some of the various dialects that can be found not only in Japan but also around the world.

1.The goal of this class is to gain a better understanding of one’s own linguistic identity.
2.Students will be asked to do an individual or group presentation on a dialect of their own language.
3.As such, individual or group work outside class will be required.

Socio-linguistics, dialects, Japanese language, Yamagata-ben

B-1．学生同士の話し合いの中で互いの意見に触れる機会がある。：1～25％
C-1．自分の意見をまとめて発表する機会がある。：26～50％
B-2．事前学習（下調べ、調査等含む）をした上で、他の学生の意見を尊重しつつグループとしての結論を出すために議論をする機会がある。：1～25％
C-2．事前学習（下調べ、調査等含む）をした上で、プレゼンテーションを行い、互いに質疑応答や議論を行う機会がある。：26～50％
B-3．習得した知識を活用する中で、学生グループがテーマや目的などを主体的に定めて課題探究型学習を行い、互いの考えを理解し合う中から新たに独自の意見や考え方を創り出す機会がある。：1～25％
C-3．習得した知識を活用する中で、学生自身がテーマや目的などを主体的に定めて課題探究型学習を行い、その成果を発表し理解してもらえるようプレゼンテーション、質疑応答、リフレクションを行う機会がある。：26～50％

This class introduces students to languages and their peculiarities in order to broaden their views on other cultures and rediscover their own in the process.

10.人や国の不平等をなくそう

Topics in linguistics and dialectology will be introduced every week, starting with the English language and moving on toward Japanese language. Questions will be asked in class to the students for them to discuss and answer. Students will have to do a personal or group presentation in front of the class based on the topics introduced and a subject of their own choosing.

1. Class introduction and basics on linguistics
2.~5. Language and dialects (English and others)
6. Case study: Quebecois
7.~9. Language and dialects (Japanese)
11.~14. Students’ presentations
15. Class conclusion and overall review

Students should take notes on contents introduced in class for better comprehension.
Outside research, asking questions, making comments and starting discussions on the topics introduced is encouraged.
The subject, contents and production of the final presentation should be thoroughly prepared, and if doing a group presentation, discussed with classmates.

Classes of 90 minutes will be held 15 times over the course of the semester.
Students should complement their study of topics introduced in class with outside research between classes.
Homework will be given to do mid-semester.
Students will need to prepare a presentation outside of class.

Participation to discussions in class will be evaluated.
Contents, materials used, originality, thoroughness, ease of understanding, design and uniqueness of the final presentation will be evaluated.

Participation in class: 30 points
Final presentation: 70 points

Related books, papers and media will be introduced and referred to during the presentation of contents.

This class is for students who are interested in languages from a more anthropological point of view than the pure scientific approach of linguistics. The class will be done in English only.

Inquiries should be done before or after class, or by email.