What is the range of sounds found in human languages? Which of those sounds are used by English to construct words? How are words combined to form meaningful sentences in English, and are the same patterns of combination found in other languages? How does society and social pressure affect the way we speak? How do different varieties of English evolve? These are some of the questions you will address in the course. Language is central to all human activity, from important negotiations between nation states to doctor-patient interaction, to spontaneous conversations in cafes. Through your study of language, you come to understand the nature of human social life. Foundational modules in the first and second year will teach you how to analyse linguistic sound systems, word structure, sentence structure, meaning and language use, and apply your knowledge to the analysis of English. You will then be able to make informed choices about areas of English or Linguistics you want to study in greater depth through study options, such as: Phonetics English around the World Language and the Mind Conversation and Social Interaction Institutional Talk English Language in the Media We are 1st in UK for research impact in modern languages and linguistics (Grade Point Average, Research Excellence Framework 2021).