A-Level English Language

Course content

This course explores how language shapes the way we communicate, think and interact. You’ll analyse everything from political speeches and news articles to everyday conversations and social media, discovering how language varies across regions, social groups and contexts. You’ll also study how English has evolved over time and how we acquire and use language from infancy through adulthood.

Key topics include:

• Analysing spoken, written and digital texts using linguistic methods and frameworks
• Exploring language diversity and variation across time, place and social groups
• Studying language acquisition and how children learn to communicate
• Investigating how language reflects and influences identity, power and culture

You will:

• Analyse and compare a range of texts from different genres and contexts
• Explore the evolution and changing nature of the English language
• Examine attitudes and debates surrounding language diversity and change
• Develop and refine your own writing across multiple forms and audiences
• Undertake independent research on a topic of personal linguistic interest