Modern Greek: Language variation in Modern Greek

This course offers in-depth knowledge of Modern Greek sociolinguistics and dialectology. You will study how historical events and social change have shaped the development of Modern Greek and contributed to linguistic variation.

The course focuses on both geographical and social sources of variation. You will gain knowledge of the main dialect areas of the Greek-speaking world and the sociolinguistic features that characterise present-day Modern Greek. Particular attention is given to how standard languages are codified and developed, and how language policy and language planning influence linguistic practice in Greece and Cyprus.

Key concepts such as language varieties, multilingualism, code-switching, language contact and language policy are examined. The course also addresses how language variation relates to issues of gender and ethnicity, providing theoretical and analytical tools for understanding linguistic diversity in a global context.

The course is offered at second-cycle level and can be taken within the Master’s Programme in Language and Linguistics or as a freestanding course.

Course literature

The course literature listed may be updated up to eight weeks before the course begins.

The teaching consists of lectures and supervised independent study. You will analyse linguistic phenomena from sociolinguistic and dialectological perspectives and develop your ability to identify and classify different dialects and sociolects of Modern Greek.

A central component of the course is strengthening your analytical skills in relation to language variation. You will learn to distinguish between older and modern forms of Greek, examine the role of the standard language, and critically engage with concepts such as linguistic diversity and language norms.

The assessment consists of a written examination, an oral examination and a final written report. The report allows you to explore a selected topic within the field in greater depth and apply relevant theoretical perspectives independently.

After completing the course, you will have advanced knowledge of language variation in Modern Greek and be able to analyse how historical, geographical and social factors influence language development and use. You will be able to critically discuss concepts such as standard language, dialect, sociolect and linguistic diversity.

The course can be included in a general degree at second-cycle level and forms part of the Master’s Programme in Language and Linguistics with a specialisation in Modern Greek. It provides a strong foundation for further research in sociolinguistics, dialectology and language policy, as well as for professional contexts where linguistic and cultural expertise is essential.

Prerequisites

successful completion of the course NYGK21 or the equivalent.

Selection criteria

Seats are allocated according to: ECTS (HPAV): 100 %.

Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens

Citizens of countries outside:

• The European Union (EU)
• The European Economic Area (EEA) and
• Switzerland

are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each
semester.

Tuition fees, payments and exemptions

Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 33,750
First payment: SEK 33,750

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Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.

Application fee

No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland

There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.