Dr Benjamin A. Jones

Research Highlights

All Research

• ALE121 The sound system of English

  The module will teach the essentials of the sound system and the basics of IPA for English. In addition to covering the elements of the sound inventory of English, it will also consider the larger structures of the syllable, intonation and rhythm, and the morphology of English. In order to transcribe English, the IPA system will be introduced and practiced (for broad transcription).

• ALE218 Discourse Analysis

  This module introduces students to key approaches and research methodologies in the broad field of discourse analysis, including ethnography of communication, speech act theory, pragmatics, register analysis, genre analysis, and interactional sociolinguistics/conversation analysis. We will discuss these approaches, their strengths and limitations, and critically examine the application of these approaches in empirical research studies. The course features hands-on data analyses, and students will be responsible for carrying out an original discourse analysis based on original data.

• ALE227 Research Methods and Tools for Applied Linguistics

  This module equips students to engage effectively with tools used by applied linguists for data collection, scrutiny, and analysis. These will include software for building, interrogating and comparing language corpora (corpus tools), for transcribing and annotating video/audio data, and for measuring various dimensions of language texts. We will also cover basic concepts of computer programming, and compare statistical analysis programmes.

• ALE229 History of the English Language

  This module covers the history of the English language from its beginnings as part of the Indo-European family of languages, through its various changes: from Old English to Middle English, with some attention paid to Early Modern English. You will determine the processes through which a standard (English) evolves, examining selected texts from different periods, reflecting on the relationships between these chapters in the development of the English language. Throughout the module, students will consider the features of internal language systems with the social, cultural and political conditions and contexts for linguistic development and evolution.

• ALE231 World Englishes

  The module will cover the history and character of a selection of L1 and L2 varieties of English across the world focusing on both Braj Kachru and Edgar Schneider¿s classifications. It will also consider emerging 'foreign language' varieties, as well as the English based pidgins and creole. Students will have access to hands-on examples of a selection of real-world audio and video in order to familiarise themselves with the varieties of English in question. Throughout will be considerations surrounding associated ideological issues, for example regional `Standards¿, ELT considerations surrounding L2 aspirations toward emulating `native¿ speakers, processes of linguistic imperialism of English (English used as a both lingua franca and a `killer¿ language), and models of a global standard.

• ALE316 Language in the Media

  This module builds upon work that you have done on discourse analysis during years 1 and , applying it to a range of media texts, including television interviews, documentaries, political debates, social network sites, and participatory news sites. You will use several of the main theoretical frameworks in Discourse Analysis to do so. For example, you will draw upon the micro-analytic methods of Conversation Analysis to examine how political interviews on television and radio phone-in programmes are routinely structured: How are they opened and closed?; How are `neutral¿ questions posited?; and How are answers evaded? Likewise, using Im-Politeness theories, you will examine verbal conflict and aggression in online political deliberation. You will also learn about the similarities in the use of narratives across genres as diverse as documentaries, news and talkshows . The course will improve your data collection and discourse analytic skills. It will also teach you to assess critically the impact of media discourse upon contemporary society (and vice versa) and to evaluate discursive practices whereby identities are legitimised and/or challenged within the media.

• ALE323 Stylistics: Language in Literature, Film and Video Gaming

  Why do authors choose particular combinations of words, phrases in their writing? How do filmmakers put together images or sounds to create their narrative? What does the use of regional dialect in the creation of a character indicate? What effect do choices in sentence length, or a particular register signify? Is there a specific language of genre? Can you distinguish one writer or creator¿s style from another? What role does language play within a text? This course connects form with meaning and function, delving into major genres of cultural production (typically literature, film, video games and other texts from popular culture) to examine the linguistic choices made by authors or creators in order to create meaning and effect. Designed to provide a systematic way of exploring texts, the course will explore creativity in fictive language use, examining the clues that apprise us of the function and meaning(s) of language in any given text.

• EMB1001E TESOL and English Language support tutorial

  The aim of the support tutorial is to provide academic support and guidance to students on a year 1 Integrated programme with The College, Swansea University and the Department of Arts and Humanities.

• FY-019 Social Science

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