2016 Unit Guide
ATS3779 Cultural Linguistics – Semester 1, 2016
This unit introduces students to the newly developed field of Cultural Linguistics, a multidisciplinary field
of research that examines the complex relationship between language and cultural conceptualisations. It
encourages students to examine how language encodes culturally constructed conceptualisations of
experience. Recent studies of Cultural Linguistics have revealed that this framework can be fruitfully applied
to areas such as intercultural communication, World Englishes, and Teaching English as an International
Language.
Mode of Delivery
Clayton (Day)
Workload Requirements
2 hours (1 x lecture and 1 hour seminar) per week
Chief Examiner(s):
Prof. Farzad Sharifian
Unit Coordinator and Lecturer:
Prof. Farzad Sharifian (Unit coordinator and lecturer)
Office: E568, Menzies Building, Clayton Campus,
Telephone: +61 3 99024898
Email: Farzad.Sharifian@monash.edu
Consultation hour: By appointment
www.monash.edu
Academic Overview
Learning outcomes
Upon the successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. demonstrate a high level of understanding of the relationship between language and cultural
conceptualisations;
2. appreciate the diversity of world views and cultural cognitions reflected in different languages and
language varieties;
3. reflect critically on their own experiences of communication with people from diverse backgrounds;
4. demonstrate a critical understanding of the complexity of the language-culture relationship in today's
globalised world
Unit schedule
Week
Topics
Readings
1
Introduction
Unit guide
2
Culture
e-Reader: week 1 (Risager, 2012)
3
Introduction to Cultural Linguistics
e-Reader: week 2 (Sharifian,
forthcoming)
4
Cultural schemas
e-Reader: week 3 (Sharifian,
forthcoming)
5
Cultural conceptual metaphors
e-Reader: week 4 (Yu, 2007)
6
Cultural categories
e-Reader: week 5 (Unsworth, et al, 2005)
Mid-term Academic Essay Due: 15
April, 2016 (Friday)
7
Revision
8
Cultural Linguistics and intercultural
communication
e-Reader: week 6 (Sharifian, 2014)
9
Cultural Linguistics and World
Englishes
e-Reader: week 7 (Xu & Sharifian,
forthcoming)
10
Cultural Linguistics and learning
English as an International Language
e-Reader: week 8 (Sharifian, 2013)
11
Revision
12
Final Test
Copyright © Monash University 2015. All rights reserved. Except as provided in the Copyright Act 1968, this work may not be
reproduced in any form without the written permission of the host Faculty and School/Department.
Assessment Summary
Assignment
Value
Due date
Mid-term academic essay
Final-term academic essay
In-class test
Class participation
20%
50%
20%
10%
15 April 2016, 5pm
8 June 2016, 5pm
Week 12 (in tutorial)
Ongoing
Hurdle Requirements
Students are required to attend 75% of the tutorials (9 weeks). Failure to do so will have one’s final mark
deducted by 20%.
Assessment, Exams & Results policies and Procedures
For all policies and procedures go to: http://www.arts.monash.edu.au/policy-bank/assessment.php
Teaching approach
This unit adopts a blended approach which includes lectures, tutorials, problem-based learning, case-based
teaching, etc.
Students in this unit are encouraged to reflect critically on their personal and professional experiences. The
cultural knowledge and experiences that students bring into the classroom are regarded as important sources
of learning in this program.
Assessment Requirements
Assessment Tasks
Assessment task 1
Mid-term academic essay (20%)
Due date: 15 April 2016, 5pm
Details of the task:
Please write an essay in approximately 1000 words (excluding the references) on the following topic:
Events such as weddings and new year celebrations may have different conceptualisations
in different languages and cultures. Try to investigate one cultural event you are familiar
with by drawing on the analytical tools of the Cultural Linguistics framework.
You are expected to briefly review the relevant literature on the theoretical framework and provide your
analysis in line with the analytical framework of the field. This is an academic essay. You are expected to
include a minimum of 6 references from other sources to support and consolidate your arguments.
Copyright © Monash University 2015. All rights reserved. Except as provided in the Copyright Act 1968, this work may not be
reproduced in any form without the written permission of the host Faculty and School/Department.
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Word limit: 1000 words (+/- 10%, excluding the references)
Weighting/value (%): 20%
Presentation requirements:
Submit your essay assignment with a coversheet (in a WORD file) though the Moodle unit website.
An electronic copy of coversheet can be located on the Moodle unit Website.
Where/How to submit: You must submit your assignment with a cover sheet through the Dropbox
on Moodle Unit Website.
Estimated return date: Three weeks after the assignment due date.
Criteria for Marking:
1. Evidence of engagement with the theoretical framework;
2. Integration of new examples and experiences with the academic literature;
3. Structure and organisation of the essay;
4. Clarity of expressions.
Assessment task 2
Final-term academic paper (50%)
Due date: 8 June 2016, 5pm
Details of the task:
In this assignment, you are expected to write an academic paper on the following topic:
In this assignment, you are expected to write an academic paper that includes 1) an introduction 2) review
of relevant literature, 3) clear data analysis with novel and new examples and 4) a brief conclusion, on the
following topic:
Explore cultural conceptualisations of one or two emotion categories (for example ‘happiness’,
‘anger’, ‘love’, or ‘sadness’) in a language you are familiar with by drawing on the analytical
tools of Cultural Linguistics. In particular, examine cultural metaphors that may be associated
with such emotions (e.g., HEART AS THE SEAT OF EMOTIONS).
This is an academic paper. You are expected to include a minimum of 10 references.
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Word limit: 2500 words (+/- 10%, excluding the references)
Weighting/value (%): 50%
Presentation requirements: Submit your essay assignment with a coversheet (in a WORD file)
though the Moodle unit website. An electronic copy of coversheet can be located on the Moodle unit
Website.
Where/How to submit: You must submit your assignment with a cover sheet through the Dropbox
on Moodle Unit Website.
Estimated return date: Three weeks after the assignment due date.
Criteria for Marking:
1. Evidence of engagement with the theoretical framework or concepts;
2. In-depth and critical understanding of the framework;
3. Integration of novel examples and academic literature;
Copyright © Monash University 2015. All rights reserved. Except as provided in the Copyright Act 1968, this work may not be
reproduced in any form without the written permission of the host Faculty and School/Department.
4. Structure and organisation of the paper;
5. Clarity of expressions;
6. Evidence of sufficient references and of appropriate referencing style.
Assessment task 3
In-class test
Due date: Week 12 in tutorial
Details of the task:
The in-class test will assess what you have learned from the materials covered throughout the unit. You will
be informed of the result of the test format in more detail by your tutor in the tutorial of week 10.
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Weighting/value (%): 20
Estimated return date: students will be able to see their final test results (Student ID + Grade) on the
Moodle 3 weeks after the test.
Criteria for Marking:
1. In-depth and critical understanding of the issues;
2. Organisation and clarity of expressions;
3. Depth and Originality.
Assessment task 4
Participation
Due date: Ongoing
Details of the task:
The mark of participation covers more than attendance. You are expected to:
• Attend and participate in all lectures, tutorials, class discussions and activities;
• Complete the weekly reading prior to attending the lectures and tutorials;
• Complete all of the assessment tasks.
Weighting/value (%): 10
Students are expected and encouraged to attend all lectures and tutorials. According to the school’s policy,
those who fail to attend 75% of the tutorials (9 weeks) will have their final mark deducted by 20%.
If you are unable to attend the tutorials due to illness, you must inform your tutors in advance and supportive
evidence (e.g. medical certificate) must be provided. Having a group meeting for the assignments of other
units is not an acceptable reason
Copyright © Monash University 2015. All rights reserved. Except as provided in the Copyright Act 1968, this work may not be
reproduced in any form without the written permission of the host Faculty and School/Department.
Learning resources
Feedback to you
You will receive feedback on your written or spoken performance in this unit in various ways (written
comments or verbal comments). Students will be able to read or hear the strengths of their performance and
areas that need improvement. Students will also be encouraged to take these comments into account in their
daily communication.
Extensions and penalties
Faculty of Arts policies can be found at:
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Extension to Assessment Deadline Policy (http://www.arts.monash.edu.au/policybank/policies/extension-policy.php)
Late Assessment Submission (http://www.arts.monash.edu.au/policy-bank/policies/late-assessmentsubmission.php)
The due dates for the assignments are stated very clearly above. It is your responsibility to check the due
dates for the assignments and to ensure that you submit the assignments on time.
If you need an extension for any assignment, you must inform your lecturer in advance. Extensions may
be granted in cases of extenuating personal circumstances such as serious personal illness or bereavement.
Supportive evidence (e.g. medical certificate) must be provided.
Returning assignments
Assignments will be returned from the lecturer/tutors 3 weeks after the due date.
Resubmission of assignments
Please refer to the following link for the review and remarking policy:
http://www.arts.monash.edu.au/policy-bank/policies/review-remarking-policy.php
Referencing requirements
This unit adopts the APA referencing style for all the written assessment tasks. However, students are also
welcome to use other styles of referencing (such as Harvard) provided that they are used consistently.
Assignment submission
It is a University requirement (http://www.policy.monash.edu/policybank/academic/education/conduct/plagiarism-procedures.html) for students to submit an assignment
coversheet for each assessment item.
The coversheet is accessible via the Monash portal page located at http://my.monash.edu.au under
the heading 'Learning and teaching tools'. For online submission, copy and paste the coversheet as
the first page the assignment and complete the details; you should type your name at the signature
prompt.
Copyright © Monash University 2015. All rights reserved. Except as provided in the Copyright Act 1968, this work may not be
reproduced in any form without the written permission of the host Faculty and School/Department.
Assignment submission
Your assignment MUST be submitted through the Dropbox of the Moodle Unit Website by the due date.
Penalty applies to late submission.
Required Resources
Commonwealth supported students and domestic full-fee paying students generally must be able to
complete the requirements of their course of study without the imposition of fees that are additional to the
student contribution amount or tuition fees. However, incidental fees (as defined under the Higher
Education Support Act 2003 (HESA)) are allowed. For more information on the requirements under
HESA, go to Administrative Information for Higher Education Providers: Student Support, Chapter 21,
Incidental Fees at:
http://www.deewr.gov.au/HigherEducation/Resources/Pages/AdminInfoForProviders.aspx
Prescribed text(s) and readings
Week 1: Unit Introduction
Unit Guide
Week 2: Culture
Risager, K. (2012). Culture. In C. A. Chapelle (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Applied Linguistics. Wiley-Blackwell
Week 3: Introduction to Cultural Linguistics
Sharifian, F. (forthcoming). Cultural Linguistics. Monash University, Clayton.
Week 4: Cultural schemas
Sharifian, F. (forthcoming). Cultural Schemas. Monash University, Clayton.
Week 5: Cultural metaphors
Yu, N. (2007). The Chinese conceptualization of the heart and its cultural context: Implications for second
language learning. In F. Sharifian and G.B. Palmer (Eds.), Applied Cultural Linguistics: Implications
for second language learning and intercultural communication. (pp. 65–85). London and New York:
Routledge
Week 6: Cultural categories
Unsworth, S. J. Sears, C. P., and Pexman, P.M. (2005). Cultural influences on categorization processes.
Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 36, 662-688.
Week 7: Revision
Week 8: Cultural Linguistics and intercultural communication
Sharifian, F. (2014). Conceptual metaphor in intercultural communication between speakers of Aboriginal
English and Australian English. In A. Mussolff, and F. MacArthur (Eds.) Metaphor and Intercultural
Communication. London: Bloomsbury Publishing
Sharifian, F. (2010). Cultural conceptualisations in intercultural communication: A study of Aboriginal and
non-Aboriginal Australians. Journal of Pragmatics, 42, 3367–3376.
Copyright © Monash University 2015. All rights reserved. Except as provided in the Copyright Act 1968, this work may not be
reproduced in any form without the written permission of the host Faculty and School/Department.
Sharifian, F. (2013). Cultural Linguistics and Intercultural Communication. In F. Sharifian & M. Jamarani
(Eds.) Language and Intercultural Communication in the New Era. (pp. 60-80) Oxford:
Routledge/Taylor and Francis.
Week 9: Cultural Linguistics and World Englishes
Xu, Z and Sharifian, F. (in press). Unpacking Cultural Conceptualizations in Chinese English. Asia-Pacific
Journal of Communication.
Sharifian, F. (2015). Cultural Linguistics and World Englishes. World Englishes, 34(4), 515-532
Xu, Z. (2014). A cultural linguistics approach to Asian Englishes, Asian Englishes.
Week 10: Cultural Linguistics and learning English as an International Language
Sharifian, F. (2013). Globalisation and developing metacultural competence in learning English as an
International Language. Multilingual Education, 3 (7).
Xu, Z. (forthcoming) Developing Metacultural Writing Competence for Online Intercultural
Communication: Implications for English Language Teaching
Weeks 11 and 12: Revision and Final Exam
Recommended Resources
Apart from the course reader, there is a wide range of resources such as textbooks and printed/electronic
journals available from the library that you may find useful in helping you understand the unit materials,
prepare your presentation and write your final essay. Therefore, if you are new to Monash library, you are
strongly recommended to join the library tours and familiarise yourself with how to find learning resources.
Other Information
Policies
Monash has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and
students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and to provide advice on how they might
uphold them. You can find Monash’s Education Policies at: www.policy.monash.edu.au/policybank/academic/education/index.html
Key educational policies include:
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Plagiarism;
Assessment in Coursework Programs;
Special Consideration;
Grading Scale;
Discipline: Student Policy;
Academic Calendar and Semesters;
Orientation and Transition; and
Academic and Administrative Complaints and Grievances Policy.
Copyright © Monash University 2015. All rights reserved. Except as provided in the Copyright Act 1968, this work may not be
reproduced in any form without the written permission of the host Faculty and School/Department.
Graduate Attributes Policy
http://www.policy.monash.edu/policy-bank/academic/education/management/monash-graduate-attributespolicy.html
Student services
The University provides many different kinds of support services for you. Contact your tutor if you need
advice and see the range of services available at http://www.monash.edu.au/students
Monash University Library
The Monash University Library provides a range of services, resources and programs that enable you to
save time and be more effective in your learning and research. Go to www.lib.monash.edu.au or the library
tab in my.monash portal for more information.
Moodle
All unit and lecture materials, plus other information of importance to students, are available through the
Moodle2 site. You can access Moodle2 via the My.Monash Portal: http://my.monash.edu.au
For assistance, you can contact the eSolutions Desk by:
Service Desk Online: http://servicedeskonline.monash.edu.au
Phone: (+61 3) 990 32777
Further information can be obtained from the following site http://vle.monash.edu.au/
Disability Liaison Unit
Students who have a disability or medical condition are welcome to contact the Disability Liaison Unit to
discuss academic support services. Disability Liaison Officers (DLOs) visit all Victorian campuses on a
regular basis.
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Website: http://www.monash.edu/equity-diversity/disability/index.html
Telephone: 03 9905 5704 to book an appointment with a DLO;
Email: dlu@monash.edu
Drop In: Equity and Diversity Centre, Level 1, Building 55, Clayton Campus.
Your Feedback to Us
Monash is committed to excellence in education and regularly seeks feedback from students, employers
and staff. One of the key formal ways students have to provide feedback is through the Student Evaluation
of Teaching and Units (SETU) survey. The University’s student evaluation policy requires that every unit
is evaluated each year. Students are strongly encouraged to complete the surveys. The feedback is
anonymous and provides the Faculty with evidence of aspects that students are satisfied and areas for
improvement.
For more information on Monash’s educational strategy, see:
www.monash.edu.au/about/monash-directions/directions.html and on student evaluations, see:
www.policy.monash.edu/policy-bank/academic/education/quality/student-evaluation-policy.html
Copyright © Monash University 2015. All rights reserved. Except as provided in the Copyright Act 1968, this work may not be
reproduced in any form without the written permission of the host Faculty and School/Department.
Arts Academic Language and Learning Unit
The Faculty of Arts Academic Language and Learning Unit (AALLU) offer focused teaching at Caulfield
and Clayton for all students in Arts (UG,PG coursework and HDR) on campus and online to enhance your
development of study and research techniques, writing and academic English. All program, courses and
consultations are free for currently enrolled Arts Students.
Our teaching includes individual consultations with students (by appointment), electives for credit and a
variety of workshops, seminars and short courses. See our website for full details and contacts:
http://www.arts.monash.edu.au/aallu
Copyright © Monash University 2015. All rights reserved. Except as provided in the Copyright Act 1968, this work may not be
reproduced in any form without the written permission of the host Faculty and School/Department.