How to book

English Language and Linguistics

Sessions are delivered online, with short presentations accompanied, in most cases, by interactive workshop activities and an online Q&A.

Language and Representation.

Our encounters with texts in our everyday lives (from adverts to novels) have the power to shape our understanding of the world we live in. In stylistics, foregrounding describes an effect whereby texts create such meaning by deviating from our linguistic expectations and norms. Working through textual examples, this workshop will explore how texts construct meaning through choices at each of the different language levels.

Links to A-Level:

• Methods of language analysis • Functional approach to texts • Mono and multimodal texts • Relationships between writers, speakers and audiences

Speaking to Parliament.

The language used in our houses of parliament is a fascinating record of how those in power discuss the issues of the day. This workshop will introduce the Hansard online resource - an accessible tool using visualisations to demonstrate the changing language of parliament over time. It will lead students through case studies to demonstrate how it could be used in EPQs studying language change; ideology in language; sociolinguistic dimensions of power and many other topics.

Links to A-Level:

• Methods of language analysis • Relationships between speakers and audiences • Language shaped by context • Systematic analysis of online resources

We also offer introductions to other exciting areas of linguistic research. These interactive sessions are designed to give students a taste of universitylevel study of English Language and Linguistics.

Metaphor in Mind.

Language allows us to not only represent the world in different ways, but to think about it differently too. This interactive workshop introduces cognitive linguistic research on metaphor and the effects of metaphors in different kinds of texts, from charity fundraising campaigns to your Facebook page. It will provide students with a fresh way of thinking about metaphor and representation, as well as examples of systematic linguistic analysis in

practice.

Forensic Linguistics.

Blood-spatters and fingerprints aren’t the only evidence used in criminal investigations. This workshop will explore the growing number of ways in which spoken and written language are used in forensics. We’ll provide a basic introduction to common tasks carried out by forensic linguists, followed by discussion of real criminal cases. Students will hear about one way in which linguistics can be applied to real-world problems. They will be invited to apply their existing linguistic knowledge and analytical skills to help solve a case.

What else do we offer?

Symposium for A-level Teachers of English Language

Our free annual conference welcomes teachers of our subject from across the UK for a day of workshops and idea-exchange. Keep an eye out on our website for our next conference date!

Babel: The Language Magazine

Our popular language and linguistics magazine aimed at specialists and nonspecialists alike. Sign up to subscribe for your school or college, or claim a free sample copy: www.babelzine.co.uk

To book a workshop

To book and arrange your workshop or discuss other specifically tailored activities please email: Matt Evans

Recruitment Tutor – English Language, Linguistics and Modern Languages Email: m.evans@hud.ac.uk