Language in the Digital Age

Module code: EN2193

Digital technology is transforming how humans engage with the world and each other, and this includes our use of language. This module explores the ways in which communication is shaped by digital media, such as social media platforms and e-readers, and how that technology has transformed how we do linguistic analysis. Module topics include the ways in which online language practices shape identities and relationships; the impact digital media has on our understanding of what language is; and the disruptive effect of digital media on traditional print-based linguistic forms, such as narrative. We also look at some of the digital tools developed for language and linguistics research, such as corpus software, mark-up frameworks and programming languages. The module is taught in weekly workshops, combining independent study, group-work and class discussion. Module assessment is a 2000-word independent research project, which investigates a topic-area of the module in more detail.