Language in Greater Vermont: Diversity and Relationships

Course Description

Summary

In this course, students will utilize primary and secondary sources to explore language and language use in Vermont and surrounding regions.  Our exploration will span from the pre-Columbian era till present, and address the diversity and inter-relationships of the languages and language varieties utilized in and around Bennington, and how these link to broader phenomena in the construction of personal and communal identities.  We will also devote significant attention theories of linguistic variation and change, as well as societally-embedded questions of language equity and access.