English Linguistics for Teachers for grades 1.-7. (MGL1032)

Content

English Linguistics for Teachers focuses on several broad topics within the field of English phonetics and phonology, grammar and pragmatics. In terms of phonology, the central course components include consonant and vowel production in the two model accents (Received Pronunciation and General American) and suprasegmental features: stress, rhythm and intonation. In addition, a significant aspect is work on phonemic transcription, which is used as an awareness raising and learning tool. When it comes to grammar, the course focuses on word classes and phrases, various clause/sentence types and sentence elements. Special attention will be devoted to the areas of English grammar and usage that may prove challenging for Norwegian learners of English. Finally, the course will explore some links between cultural conventions and language use in various contexts, specifically focusing on the realization and interpretation of speech acts in English. The main goals of the pragmatics component of the course will be to raise the students' awareness of the cultural assumptions underlying perceptions of politeness, and the challenges involved in understanding, mastering and teaching pragmatics in a second/foreign language.

Due to the relevance of the concepts introduced during the course for the students' overall communicative competence, throughout the course attention will be given to the students' ability to apply the theoretical knowledge to improve their own language competence and their English teaching skills.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

At the end of the course, the student will have a basic knowledge of:

• The English sound system, with a focus on similarities and differences between English and Norwegian consonants and vowels
• The main differences between British English and American English pronunciation (based on the model accents Received Pronunciation and General American)
• The main functions and uses of English intonation 
• The grammatical structure of the English language
• The major points of difficulty in English grammar and usage for Norwegian learners of English
• Cultural assumptions underlying language use, with a focus on English speech acts in various contexts

Skills

At the end of the course the students should be able to:

• Explain how English sounds are articulated and discuss the main functions of intonation in English
• Distinguish between British and American English accents and describe the main differences between them (based on the model accents Received Pronunciation and General American)
• Explain the major points of difficulty in English phonology for Norwegian learners of English
• Describe and explain English grammar and usage for Norwegian learners of English
• Explain the link between cultural conventions and language use in various contexts, with a focus on English and Norwegian speech acts
• Apply their knowledge of English phonology, grammar and pragmatics to the English classroom and provide differentiated instruction, including using digital tools to foster pupils' learning
• Be a good role model for the pupils, using oral and written English confidently and functionally and adapting language use to the target group in different situations

General competencies

The student:

• Can use oral and written English confidently and functionally
• Can apply their knowledge of English phonology, grammar and pragmatics to further develop their own language competence
• Can reflect on their own growth by using the EPOSTL so that they can chart their own development and progress both as language learners and teachers

Required prerequisite knowledge

Recommended prerequisites

Exam

Coursework requirements

1. Students must attend a minimum of 70% of all lectures and seminars. Students may be asked to cover any topics missed by completing additional course work.
2. A digital assignment within pragmatics has to be submitted.
3. Course assignments for seminars need to be completed regularly.

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Study Program Director:

Study Adviser:

Placement coordinator:

Method of work

This course will utilize a combination of lectures, seminars and workshops. Varied teaching approaches will be employed, including, for example, experiential learning, cooperative learning, flipped classroom and digital learning cycles. Much of the course content is not age specific and for that reason most topics will be presented to both groups at the same time. However, some of these topics may be contextualized and discussed at a deeper level in separate MGL1-7 & MGL 5-10 seminar groups. In addition, opportunities will be given for students to work on individual and group assignments in study groups.

Suggested distribution of work hours:

Lectures & preparation for lectures: 88hrs + 88hrs = 176hrs (8 + 8 hours weekly during teaching weeks)

Self-study: 160hrs (during teaching and non-teaching weeks depending on individual needs and preferences)

Mid-term exam + pair digital tool exam: 3hrs + 25hrs = 28hrs

Take-home exam: 16hrs

Total: 380hrs

Practice

Open for

Course assessment

Literature