This course explores the deep interconnections between language, cognition and culture. It begins with a consideration of the ‘discursive mind’ - that is, the particularly human way of knowing that uses language as its primary tool and medium. Realizing how much of human cognition is language-dependant, we then explore the relations between language, cognition and culture by looking at such everyday linguistic phenomena as code-switching, metaphor and gesture. Augmenting the reading of sociolinguistic and cognitive science texts in this course, students will also learn how to collect and to analyze empirical evidence of language phenomena in order to more critically assess the claims of such texts.
Note: For cohorts AY24/25 and below, this module will fulfill CHS Asian Studies Common curriculum.
Student Reviews
Anonymous (1) AY22/23 Sem 1
About the Instructor
Very knowledgeable and very approachable. Prof Vail is a great teacher, and he keeps the class very light and relaxed.
Content (Structure/Organization)
This module is fairly structured in that each lesson has a clear learning point. There's a greater sense that we're being taught something (as opposed to we're learning in a more participatory way). This isn't a bad thing, especially if you're interested in the content. Many sessions are structured like so: different groups of students are given different readings. First, each group sits together to discuss their readings and answer some questions (provided by Prof Vail) about their reading. Then, groups are formed such that each group has at least one person who's done each reading, and they explain their readings to each other. People can still bring different questions and perspectives to the class, but generally we are being guided to learn the important stuff.
Accessibility
Quite accessible. There's some technical stuff at the start of the module but Prof tries to explain it thoroughly. Some of the readings can get kinda technical at times. The assessments are very accessible as well.
Manageability of Workload
There's usually 1-2 readings for every class. Those should take an hour tops before every class. Other than that, there's three main assignments: a video paper, a codeswitching analysis, and a gesture analysis. This module is the MOST flexible module I've taken in terms of deadlines. Prof Vail is very relaxed about deadlines,. All the individual assignment deadlines are basically open: a few students ended up submitting on the Friday of Reading Week (which is the latest that any assignment can be submitted). That's not good, and you should not do that: submitting all the assignments towards the very end is not a fun experience. Anyway, the workload is pretty alright, and you can put in as much effort as you want for each assignment.
No technical skills, but you can learn how to analyse codeswitching as well as gestures :D
Ease/Difficulty of Attaining Grades
I have no idea. It's hard to gauge because you can only get your grades for any assignment after everyone submits the assignment. So, you might not get your grades during the semester.
Learning Value/Recommendation
I don't regret taking this module since I got to learn some fun things. It's a very exploratory module, and Prof Vail seems to want you to just explore and learn the things that are interesting to you.
Anonymous (2) AY22/23 Sem 1
About the Instructor
absolutely amazing, the greatest of all time. he really wants you to learn!
Content (Structure/Organization)
The course is structured in larger units (linguistic relativity, codeswitching, gesture) though more than half the course is dedicated to exploring different types of linguistic relativity.
It's a well-structured course, though Dr Vail is always happy to listen to students' input
Manageability of Workload
Fairly heavy since you have to read and understand two readings a week, and actually explain them to your classmates. But Dr Vail is very understanding when it comes to deadlines and you're pretty much able to set your own deadlines. Have to be consistent, but it's definitely a doable module!
The concepts are difficult but I had some background so I'm not the most objective reviewer. I think Dr Vail does a good job of making the content accessible and pointing out which parts he requires us to know. Overall medium accessibility I'd say!
Ease/Difficulty of Attaining Grades
Doable, he generally wants people to do well I think. As long as you show that you understand the basic major concepts covered you're pretty much good to go
Learning Value/Recommendation
Amazing
Additional Comments/Word of Advice
Dr Vail is the YOLO kind of prof when it comes to assessment, he doesn't give you a fixed structure/format to follow which is either very liberating or frustrating depending on your personality
Anonymous AY20/21 Sem 1
About the Instructor
10/10.
Content (Structure/Organization)
1. Functional relativity of linguistics -> video paper (might be unique for COVID)
2. Codeswitching -> codeswitching paper (1.5K words)
3. Gestures -> group gestures paper (1.5K words)
Accessibility
Really accessible. I'm a CS student with absolutely no background in linguistics and I believe I join many in saying that Prof Vail is incredible in delivering knowledge about linguistics in a very easy-to-understand and humorous manner. There are A FEW lectures that might get a bit heavy with the jargon.
Manageability of Workload
Very manageable. Prof Vail was also very flexible with deadlines and VERY understanding given the COVID situation.
Technical skills or knowledge, likely not - I don't foresee using the things I've learnt here practically, but it is an incredible interesting module. Eye-opening if you have never learnt anything with regards to linguistics. Take it!
Ease/Difficulty of Attaining Grades
Haven't got grades yet but I think Prof Vail is generally more liberal :-)
Learning Value/Recommendation
Learning value is super high for me because I was exposed to a whole new field and knowledge that I never had. Usefulness, not so much.