KVVS9005 Linguistic Landscape Studies (3 op)

The central objective of this course is to introduce the recent theoretical and methodological developments in the field of Linguistic Landscape Studies (LLS). One of the major contributions of LLS is to provide a framework for a coherent understanding of the context in which human and social relationships take place, by focusing on the different languages and linguistic forms that share a physical space. Naturally, this has implications for the field of intercultural communication. By the end of the course, students will be acquainted with the field of LLS, and how it can inform our knowledge about intercultural communication and positively add to the study of it. The basic theoretical developments around the core concepts (LLS and intercultural communication) will be introduced. Practical tips that make fieldwork easier and more productive will be provided (LL data collection; framing an interview etc.). Students will participate in a mini-ethnographic fieldwork in order to gather data and conduct observations of the linguistic landscape and the centrality of language(s) and linguistic forms in that context. Students will also conduct brief ethnographic interviews with people in different sites (shop assistants, information staff, clerks, etc.) to find out about the language(s) they need in their everyday work-related activities and the kind of trainings they receive or have received in order to communicate following specific patterns. The group will resume in a final session to discuss about the findings of the mini-ethnographic fieldwork trips and their relevance and relationship to the theories presented and discussed in the frame of the course. The last day is also reserved for group portfolio completion.