Master 2025/2026

Language Attitudes, Ideologies, and the Construction of Linguistic Inequality

Type: Elective course (Language Policy in the Context of Ethnocultural Diversity)

Delivered by: School of Philological Studies

When: 2 year, 1, 2 module

Open to: students of all HSE University campuses

Instructors: Denis Zubalov

Language: English

Course Syllabus

Abstract

Why do we perceive some languages as melodious while others less appealing? Is it the inherent qualities of their sounds or the societal connotations they carry? This course offers a comprehensive exploration of such inquiries, examining why differences in phonology, lexicon, and grammar can evoke varied attitudes towards language. It delves into how linguistic nuances intersect with different norms, biases, and stereotypes often triggered by variations in language. The course provides guidance on researching attitudes while equipping the students with the fundamentals of the concept of attitude as studied in social psychology, language ideology, providing insights into the mechanisms behind the formation of attitudes, as well as their change, and manifestation.