English: insight4me English – Language Diversity & Change With Dr Geri Popova From Goldsmiths, University of London & Dr Mike Rodman Jones From University of Nottingham

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• Goldsmiths, University of London: Dr Geri Popova, Lecturer in Linguistics in the Department of English & Creative Writing, will present: What can they tell us about language change? It is a truism in linguistics that all living languages change all the time. The reasons for these changes are multiple and complex. In this short session we will explore some of them by focusing on a small subset of language, namely the pronouns, typically short words like I, you, he, she, it, we and they. What are pronouns, do they vary across languages or varieties of the same language, and what can they tell us about how language works and how and why it changes over time? Join us for this brief pronominal foray into the workings of language.

• University of Nottingham: Dr Mike Rodman Jones, Lecturer in the School of English, will present: Words, words, words: Ways of Analysing Language. This talk will introduce some of the ways in which language is studied and analysed by examining a variety of topics including the way in which language and society are intertwined, both in terms of how language and meaning changes through time and wider culture. We will also consider different critical perspectives that can be employed to power students’ analytical skills.

In this insight4me English online event for schools and colleges, Goldsmiths, University of London and University of Nottingham will each have roughly 30 minutes to deliver a punchy, topic based ‘micro’ talk. Within an overall session theme of Language Diversity & Change, the universities have the freedom to choose their own focus and use the time to convey the key points of the case studies for the students.

insight4me is a series of subject specific webinars for Year 12 & 13 students, and equivalent. The sessions directly support students’ current studies by giving an insight into particular curriculum areas whilst affording an understanding of how these subjects continue beyond A-levels, T-levels, IB, BTEC and equivalent qualifications, and how they vary between universities.

Our events are designed so that a group of students can take part from a classroom or students and teachers can take part as individuals, either from school or from home. This means that sessions will continue irrespective of possible school closures.

As a live, participative event, this session will not be recorded but slides and other resources will be shared after the event, where available.

Suitable for: Year 12 & 13 students (and equivalent) studying, or with a possible interest in studying, English and related disciplines. Student groups, and individual students and teachers are very welcome to join us.

Preparation/Pre-Reading: Students may wish to consider the 2 topics and discuss some of the key elements in advance. Students can also think about questions they have about studying English at university level.

The IT Setup: The event will be run on Bluejeans (similar to Zoom) and participants will be able to join using laptops, tablets, and mobile devices. If you are joining as a school group, we recommend connecting with one device and projecting on to a whiteboard. You will be able to interact with the university via a microphone and/or typed comments and questions. Full details will be sent to those who have registered (see below) prior to the event.

Booking a Place: This is free for schools and colleges. If you would like to take part in this event, please register your interest using the link to the registration form below:

Register here