【授業紹介】Language and Society / Prof. Nugent

国際英語学科の授業紹介です。今回はイギリス出身の Nugent 教授が担当する「Language and Society」という授業を紹介します。英語で書かれていますが、最後までぜひご一読ください。

In the course Language and Society, students learn that language is much more than grammar and vocabulary. Language helps people communicate, express identity, build relationships, and share culture. Using ideas from the textbook What is Language?, the class explores how language connects to everyday life and society.

One important idea from the course is that language is unique to humans. People use language not only to share information, but also to talk about feelings, memories, plans, and ideas. Language is also always changing. New slang, social media, and technology continue to influence the way people speak and communicate.

The connection between language and identity is another important topic in the course. The way people speak can show their age, background, culture, or social group. For example, accents and dialects are often connected to where people come from and are an important part of their sense of self.

The connection between language and power is examined too. Politicians, media companies, and advertisers carefully choose words to influence people. For example, news reports and political speeches can shape public opinion. Students learn that ideas about “correct” language are often connected to social power.

Although the course is structured around the “What is Language?” textbook, students are introduced to other aspects of Language in Society too; topics such as Japanese English, the importance of politeness, and English in the environment around us. 

Students work in pairs to share their experiences, ideas and opinions about the topic of the day with their partners. The activities challenge them to explain their thinking and to convey it to someone else in English. In doing so they are not only developing their speaking and listening skills, but they are also developing confidence in expressing themselves, they are learning how to think critically about language, and they are communicating effectively in real-life situations.

This course is important because communication is part of everyday life. By studying language and society, students become more aware of how words affect people and relationships. The class also encourages critical thinking by helping students question ideas about “correct” language and social stereotypes.

Overall, Language and Society teaches students that language is deeply connected to culture, identity, and human behaviour. After studying the course, they often begin to notice language differently in conversations, media, and in daily life. Understanding language in this way, helps us better understand both society and ourselves.

Please read what some of the students had to say about the course.

“This class is very interesting because we learn about language from many different perspectives, such as bilingualism, accents and dialects. I enjoy that the class is not only about grammar, but also about culture, identity, and communication in society. For example, when we studied bilingualism, I learned that speaking two languages has many cognitive and social benefits. In the unit about accents and dialects, I learned that accents are connected to people’s backgrounds and communities, and that we should respect different ways of speaking. I would definitely recommend this class because the topics are meaningful and connected to real life. The class helps me improve my English skills while also broadening my understanding of people and cultures around the world.” (AO)

“I could learn new cultural topics related to language and society in this class. I also enjoy the class time because it is never boring. We study through group work, discussion and different group activities, which makes the class more interesting and interactive. I can share my thoughts and opinions with my friends while speaking English, and this helps me improve my communication skills and confidence. I recommend this class because it is both enjoyable and useful for learning about language, culture, and society.” (UP)

“This class has a lot of pair work, so I need more use of communication skills and ability to understand more things than study alone, which I think is beneficial. It’s difficult to communicate clearly to my partner, but it’s rewarding and enjoyable when I succeed.” (AG)

“What I enjoy most about this class is that we often talk with partners and share our opinions. It is interesting not only to think about my own ideas, but also to hear what other people think. Sometimes I feel, “I never thought about it that way”, and that makes the class fun and meaningful. I would recommend this class to students who are interested in languages, different cultures, or communication. I think this class helps us understand not only our own values, but also values of people from other countries. This understanding can help us communicate better with people from different backgrounds and deepen our relationships when we interact with people from other cultures.” (AN)

“This class is all English, so I can improve my speaking and listening skills. I explain about my idea and share it with my friends. However, not just these skills but also reading and writing skills will improve, because our textbook is also all English. I feel fun in this class!” (KY)