Introducing English language studies The Open University UK

Overview

Language is an essential part of being human. It's something we rely on in almost every part of our lives. Nevertheless, do we really know what it is and how it works? History, culture, politics, technological innovation, and personal experience shape our use of language. This Introducing English language studies from The Open University UK will create strong links between broader language issues and the language and literacies that affect you as a student. It will develop your ability to talk about language, and help you apply your understanding of language issues to your own development as a communicator. 

What you will study

• The module will introduce you to English language studies by highlighting how important the use and manipulation of language is in all aspects of life. It will show you how understanding the ways in which language works as a mode of communication can have profound benefits for people’s professional and personal lives. 

• One of the major aims of the module is to take real-world issues, where language is a key element, and show you how ideas from linguistics (the academic study of language) are able to throw light on these issues and help us to resolve them where necessary. 
• In this way, as well as being a useful starting point for academic study, the module offers a practical focus to the study of language with relevance to real life. 

• You’ll investigate how people use language to communicate with others; and get things done at home and work, in leisure time, and in their communities and societies. 
• Although the module draws mainly on examples and cases from the English language, it also takes a culturally diverse approach, which recognises that, for many, English exists alongside other languages and is a ‘global’ language.