Research Methods in Applied Linguistics - LING5027
Description
This course introduces common research methods in linguistics and applied linguistics. In the first half of the course students will gain an understanding of the fundamental research design considerations including: aims, research questions, literature review, epistemological, ontological and quality considerations in analysing linguistic data. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches to language data collection and analysis are covered. Data collection methods include language surveys, interviews, observation and sociolinguistic ethnography. Data analysis techniques include descriptive and inferential statistics, discourse analysis and qualitative analyses using Nvivo software. In the second half of the course students will specialise in their disciplinary field (applied linguistics or translation and interpreting). Specialised themes in Applied Linguistics include longitudinal and cross-sectional designs in language acquisition, measuring language proficiency and classroom research. Special themes in Translation and Interpreting include research in community and conference interpreting and translation. Students will develop an individual research proposal.