This course uses language crimes as a theme to introduce students to key linguistic concepts and their real-world application. We will interpret "crimes" broadly and consider not only language that becomes sources of legal trouble, but also language that violates social norms and raises ethical and moral concerns. Using linguistic concepts and theories, we will analyse whether/how words can wound, how speech acts, why meaning is often contentious, why context matters, and how cross-cultural communication and technology-mediated communication introduce complications. We will consider legal and non-legal solutions to suppress or eliminate problematic speech, and the challenges entailed.

 

1. To introduce students to language problems in a real-world context

2. To introduce students to core linguistic concepts and theories

3. To familiarise students with the use of linguistic tools and language data

4. To examine relationships between language and society

 

This course consists of interlinked lectures, class discussions and workshops, and task-based learning activities. Two contact hours take place in the classroom each week.

Participation, Presentation and Discussion 20%

Four task-based learning activities 40%

In-class test 40%

 

 

Readings will be made available through Moodle.

DATE	Topic 1: Introduction
	Topic 2: Language and Identity: Who Speaks What?
	Topic 3: Language and Representation
	Topic 4: Language and Indeterminacy
	Topic 5: Language and Inequality
	Topic 6: Words and Wounds
	Topic 7: Unspoken Words
	Topic 8: Language as Evidence
	Topic 9: Taming Speech
	Topic 10: Regulating Speech
	In-Class Test

 

1. Consultation by appointment.

2. No questions answered within 24 hours before an assignment is due.

3. All students are expected to complete their pre-assigned reading before coming to class.

4. All assignments are to be submitted through Moodle.

5. In case of late submission there is a penalty of one sub-grade per day. No work is accepted 7 days after an assignment is due.

6. No assignment should contain substantial work previously or currently submitted for assessment in other credit-bearing courses.

7. Plagiarism will be taken seriously and will lead to failing of the assignment and possible disciplinary actions.

8. Use of Generative AI in any assessed work should follow university policy and citation is needed. See https://libguides.lib.hku.hk/c.php?g=965015&p=7009946