Overview

If you’ve always wanted to know about the linguistics of Welsh, but were afraid to ask, then this module is for you! Over half a million people in Wales today speak Welsh (Cymraeg), and despite being a minority language it enjoys considerable vitality across different levels of society. In this English-medium module – specifically designed as a ‘crash course’ for students who are unfamiliar with Welsh – you will learn about Welsh grammar, the history and modern social context of Welsh, as well as other hot topics in the literature such as Welsh in education and language policy. You will acquire skills that include being able to analyse the grammar of Welsh sentences and evaluating theory relevant to the Welsh context, as well as transferrable skills like working in groups, critical reading of literature and presenting an academic argument in a rigorous and evidenced way. There are two assignments: one is a ‘take-home exam’ that mostly asks you to analyse Welsh grammar, and the other is an essay or ‘unessay’ requiring you present an argument on a topic in Welsh linguistics. No previous knowledge of Welsh is required to take this module, though Welsh speakers are welcome!

Students will learn about topics like: - The history of Welsh and its speakers - The grammar of contemporary Welsh (e.g. morphosyntax, morphology, phonology, vocabulary, mutation) - Grammatical variation in contemporary spoken Welsh, including child vs adult language - Welsh-English bilingualism and its reflexes (e.g. code-switching) - Attitudes to the Welsh language, both historical and contemporary - Welsh in education - Language policy and planning in Wales - The linguistic and social future of Welsh, with a consideration of e.g. demographic data

Assessment Strategy

Threshold / C: General ability to describe the grammar of Welsh and related topics. Shows evidence of some background study of sources going beyond material discussed in lectures. Shows a reasonable understanding of key theoretical perspectives in Welsh linguistics. Able to label and analyse examples of contemporary Welsh in a critical linguistic manner with a reasonable degree of success. Can draw comparisons between different key events in the history of Welsh in a general way and with reference to some limited evidence. Can produce a coherent argument related to Welsh linguistics that includes a limited critical evaluation of pertinent literature. Can present themselves reasonably clearly and maturely in written and oral forms.

Good / B: Clear ability to describe the grammar of Welsh and related topics. Shows clear evidence of background study of sources going beyond material discussed in lectures. Good and nuanced understanding of key theoretical perspectives in Welsh linguistics. Able to label and analyse examples of contemporary Welsh in a critical linguistic manner with success. Can draw evidenced comparisons between different key events in the history of Welsh in a detailed and clear way. Can produce a clear and well-structured argument related to Welsh linguistics that includes critical evaluation of literature. Can present themselves clearly and maturely in written and oral forms.

Excellent / A: Proficient in describing the grammar of Welsh and related topics. Shows clear evidence of considerable background study of sources going beyond material discussed in lectures. Able to proficiently evaluate and implement theoretical perspectives in Welsh linguistics. Able to label and analyse examples of contemporary Welsh in a critical linguistic manner with great success. Can draw astute and well-evidenced comparisons between different key events in the history of Welsh. Can present a critically evaluative and well-evidenced argument related to Welsh linguistics. Can present themselves very clearly and maturely in written and oral forms.

Learning Outcomes

• Apply linguistic theory to critique and interpretkey topics in Welsh linguistics

• Assess and interpret the relationship between the Welsh language/its speakers and the social historical and/or modern context.

• Critique and synthesize pertinent literature and research in Welsh linguistics

• Document and critique grammatical features of the contemporary Welsh language