Students

LING332 – Culture and Language

2019 – S1 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff Lecturer and Unit Co-convenor
Dr Nick Wilson
C5A 553
Administration
Margaret Wood
Lecturer and unit co-convenor
Dr Loy Lising
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
39cp at 100 level or above
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit develops students' understanding of the link between culture and language. It explores topics including linguistic antropology, linguistic relativity, inter-cultural communication, linguistic ethnography, and the study of language in the workplace. Students on this unit learn predominantly through carrying out ethnographic research projects, which are supported through in-class discussion activities.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and themes relevant to studying language and culture.
  • Explain how cultural beliefs and values can influence the communication norms of a group.
  • Apply and adapt anthropological linguistics knowledge to consideration of real world issues.
  • Develop, conduct and report an ethnographic research project that focuses on language and culture.
  • Critically evaluate existing research on culture and language in the light of ethnographic data.

General Assessment Information

Feedback and Grading

All assessment in LING332 will be graded according to the grades (HD, D, Cr, etc.) described in the Assessment Policy.  No numerical mark will be given. For all work, you will receive feedback (usually via turnitin) first, before your grade appears in gradebook. Your grade will not be shown in Turnitin.

 

Late Submission and Special Consideration

  • Late submissions without an extension will receive a penalty of 3% of the total mark available for the assessment task per day including weekend days (i.e. this is 3% of the total marks possible for the task – NOT 3% of the marks the student received. For example, if the assessment task is worth 100 marks and the student is two days late their mark for the task is reduced by 6 marks.)
  • Late submission of an assessment task without an extension will not be accepted at all after the date on which marked assessment tasks have been released to the rest of the class. Any student with unsubmitted work at this date will receive a mark of 0 for the assessment task.
  • Extensions will only be given in special circumstances, and can be requested by completing the Special Consideration request at ask.mq.edu.au and providing the requisite supporting documentation.
  • Extensions that will result in submissions after the assessment task has been returned to the class will require a separate assessment task to be completed at the unit convenor's discretion.
  • For more information on Special Consideration, see the university website https://students.mq.edu.au/study/my-study-program/special-consideration\
  • If a student fails the unit due to non-submission of an assignment or non-attendance at an exam, an FA grade will be applied in accordance with the University's Assessment Policy.
  • Unit convenors have the discretion to determine whether or not students should fail a unit on the basis of lateness penalties alone if other learning outcomes of the unit have been met.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Linguistic Relativity Quiz 10% No Week 4
Literature Review 30% No Week 6
Research Plan Presentation 10% No Week 8
Ethnographic Research Project 50% No Week 13

Linguistic Relativity Quiz

Due: Week 4
Weighting: 10%

Online iLearn quiz on the content of weeks 1-3


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and themes relevant to studying language and culture.

Literature Review

Due: Week 6
Weighting: 30%

You will write a 1500 word literature review on a topic relevant to the study of cross-cultural pragmatics. The following are possible topics, but your final topic needs to be agreed with your tutor prior to submission, and you will submit a formative plan which will receive feedback prior to undertaking the full literature review. This plan must be signed off by your tutor and attached to your submitted literature review.

Possible topics include:

  • speech acts (e.g. apologies, requests, refusals)
  • address terms and honorifics
  • turn-taking and silence
  • gesture

In this assignment the abilty to appropriately summarise key information while attributing sources correctly is vital, and issues of academic integrity will be closely scrutinised in order to ensure that you develop your academic writing skills to the level expected of a 300-level student in Linguistics.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and themes relevant to studying language and culture.
  • Explain how cultural beliefs and values can influence the communication norms of a group.
  • Critically evaluate existing research on culture and language in the light of ethnographic data.

Research Plan Presentation

Due: Week 8
Weighting: 10%

In this assignment you are required to present in-class the research plan for the project you will carry out later in the semester, using verbal and visual presentation. The presentation will take place in your tutorial and you must use 1 powerpoint slide with information about the planned research. You will have 3 minutes to "pitch" your research project to your tutor and classmates, and your tutor will grade and provide feedback on your plan.

Your planned project must focus on one of the following topics:

  • Language and organisational identity
  • Leadership discourse
  • Intercultural miscommunication
  • Interaction and social meaning

Your proposed project must have a clear focus on the analysis of how language is used, and must involve the ethnographic collection of linguistic data and contextual information.

This assignment is compulsory, and you will not be permitted to submit your final project (assignment 3), without having completed a research plan presentation.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and themes relevant to studying language and culture.
  • Apply and adapt anthropological linguistics knowledge to consideration of real world issues.
  • Develop, conduct and report an ethnographic research project that focuses on language and culture.

Ethnographic Research Project

Due: Week 13
Weighting: 50%

Carry out the project you proposed for in your presentation. This should focus on one of the following topics:

  • Language and organisational identity
  • Leadership discourse
  • Intercultural miscommunication
  • Interaction and social meaning

Your proposed project must have a clear focus on the analysis of how language is used, and must involve the ethnographic collection of linguistic data and contextual information. It should synthesis ethnographic description, linguistic analysis and a critical understanding of relevant academic literature.

It should be written as an ethnographic research report (2500 words).


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and themes relevant to studying language and culture.
  • Explain how cultural beliefs and values can influence the communication norms of a group.
  • Apply and adapt anthropological linguistics knowledge to consideration of real world issues.
  • Develop, conduct and report an ethnographic research project that focuses on language and culture.
  • Critically evaluate existing research on culture and language in the light of ethnographic data.

Delivery and Resources

Delivery

The unit is taught in 13 x 1 hour lectures and 12 x 1 hour tutorials, with large and small group discussions and activities aimed at assisting students’ skills and knowledge acquisition. 

Time and place:

Lectures: Friday, 10am, 23 Wally's Walk, T1

Tutorials: Friday, see your timetable for time and place.

Reading

Weekly readings will be made available on Leganto, an interactive interface with the library catalogue. These will be updated on a regular basis and you can suggest further readings and comment on exisiting ones.

The recommended texts are:

  • Duranti, A. (1997). Linguistic Anthropology. Cambridge: CUP. (only 3 copies in the library - you should buy this as it is a very useful reference book for this unit)
  • Copland, F., & Creese, A. (2015). Linguistic ethnography: Collecting, analysing and presenting data. London: Sage. (available as an e-book through the library)
  • Holmes, J. & Wilson, N. (2017) An Introduction to Sociolinguistics. 5th Edition. Abingdon: Routledge.

If you have done LING219, you probably already have the last of these, but it is also available as an ebook through the library. If you haven't done LING219, then you should definitely read this book, as knowledge of sociolinguistics is foundational to the study of culture and language.

 

Unit Schedule

This unit covers the following topics (order may be subject to change):

  • Ethnographic Linguistics
  • Taboo Language
  • Language and Social Identity
  • Language in the Workplace
  • Sociocultural Linguistic Norms and Stereotypes
  • Cross-cultural Politeness
  • Inter-cultural Miscommunication
  • Linguistic and Cultural Relativity
  • The Interaction Order
  • Analysing Discourse and Interaction

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct​

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Apply and adapt anthropological linguistics knowledge to consideration of real world issues.
  • Develop, conduct and report an ethnographic research project that focuses on language and culture.

Assessment tasks

  • Research Plan Presentation
  • Ethnographic Research Project

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Explain how cultural beliefs and values can influence the communication norms of a group.
  • Apply and adapt anthropological linguistics knowledge to consideration of real world issues.
  • Develop, conduct and report an ethnographic research project that focuses on language and culture.

Assessment tasks

  • Literature Review
  • Research Plan Presentation
  • Ethnographic Research Project

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and themes relevant to studying language and culture.
  • Explain how cultural beliefs and values can influence the communication norms of a group.
  • Apply and adapt anthropological linguistics knowledge to consideration of real world issues.
  • Develop, conduct and report an ethnographic research project that focuses on language and culture.
  • Critically evaluate existing research on culture and language in the light of ethnographic data.

Assessment tasks

  • Linguistic Relativity Quiz
  • Literature Review
  • Research Plan Presentation
  • Ethnographic Research Project

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and themes relevant to studying language and culture.
  • Explain how cultural beliefs and values can influence the communication norms of a group.
  • Apply and adapt anthropological linguistics knowledge to consideration of real world issues.
  • Develop, conduct and report an ethnographic research project that focuses on language and culture.
  • Critically evaluate existing research on culture and language in the light of ethnographic data.

Assessment tasks

  • Linguistic Relativity Quiz
  • Literature Review
  • Research Plan Presentation
  • Ethnographic Research Project

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and themes relevant to studying language and culture.
  • Explain how cultural beliefs and values can influence the communication norms of a group.
  • Apply and adapt anthropological linguistics knowledge to consideration of real world issues.
  • Develop, conduct and report an ethnographic research project that focuses on language and culture.
  • Critically evaluate existing research on culture and language in the light of ethnographic data.

Assessment tasks

  • Linguistic Relativity Quiz
  • Literature Review
  • Research Plan Presentation
  • Ethnographic Research Project

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Apply and adapt anthropological linguistics knowledge to consideration of real world issues.
  • Develop, conduct and report an ethnographic research project that focuses on language and culture.
  • Critically evaluate existing research on culture and language in the light of ethnographic data.

Assessment tasks

  • Literature Review
  • Research Plan Presentation
  • Ethnographic Research Project

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and themes relevant to studying language and culture.
  • Explain how cultural beliefs and values can influence the communication norms of a group.
  • Develop, conduct and report an ethnographic research project that focuses on language and culture.
  • Critically evaluate existing research on culture and language in the light of ethnographic data.

Assessment tasks

  • Linguistic Relativity Quiz
  • Literature Review
  • Research Plan Presentation
  • Ethnographic Research Project

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Explain how cultural beliefs and values can influence the communication norms of a group.
  • Apply and adapt anthropological linguistics knowledge to consideration of real world issues.
  • Develop, conduct and report an ethnographic research project that focuses on language and culture.
  • Critically evaluate existing research on culture and language in the light of ethnographic data.

Assessment tasks

  • Literature Review
  • Research Plan Presentation
  • Ethnographic Research Project

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Explain how cultural beliefs and values can influence the communication norms of a group.
  • Apply and adapt anthropological linguistics knowledge to consideration of real world issues.
  • Develop, conduct and report an ethnographic research project that focuses on language and culture.
  • Critically evaluate existing research on culture and language in the light of ethnographic data.

Assessment tasks

  • Literature Review
  • Research Plan Presentation
  • Ethnographic Research Project

Changes from Previous Offering

Delivery changed from seminars to lectures and tutorials, due to increased enrolment.

Changes made to assessment schedule, approved by FSQC, December 2018.

Addition of a co-convenor due to increased enrolment.