Analyzing Social Structures Through Language

Introduction

As language is a precondition for most types of communication, the study of language offers unique insights into how and why social groups construct and convey meaning when they communicate. This course focuses on the intricate relationship between language, cognitive processes, and organizational dynamics. Throughout this course, participants will engage with key theories, methods, and practical strategies to manage language in social structures such as, but not limited to, businesses and corporations; non-profit organizations; and governmental institutions. Based on theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches from communication, sociolinguistics, and international business and management studies, the course offers interdisciplinary perspectives on the role of language and communication in diverse contexts. The goal of the course is to provide participants with methodological tools and theoretical models concerning language in society that will advance their understanding of communication in complex social structures.

Course content

The course consists of 36 teaching hours, which will cover the following topics:  

Language and thought:

• Key theories on the relationship between language and thought: Linguistic determinism, linguistic relativity, Sapir-Whorf hypothesis
• Work-life applications and opposing viewpoints

Communication in organizations and social structures:

• The fundamental role of language and communication in organizing and organizations
• Communication as Constitutive of Organization (CCO)
• Implications of linguistic diversity and multilingualism, and how to study them

Language as social practice:

• Methodological approaches to the study of language and interactions in diverse contexts and domains, e.g. discourse analysis and cross-language interviewing
• Interpersonal and intergroup communication, through e.g. Communication accommodation theory (CAT)

Managing language and linguistic diversity:

• Language policies and language strategies
• Practical language management measures, including translation/interpretation; technological solutions; language training; selective recruitment; and language intermediates

Language users’ perspectives on language management:

• Bottom-up reactions (e.g. from employees/front-line) to top-down language management initiatives
• Non-compliance, resistance, and language activism

Summary and evaluation:

• Reflections on own learning and presentations of potential research applications
• Reflections on language as a methodological concern in own research projects
• Presentations of term paper drafts, including feedback from course instructor(s) and peers