Like sociolinguists, educators know that students use language differently depen

Like sociolinguists, educators know that students use language differently depending on the context, their culture, gender, experiences, family or peer expectations, and, for ELLs, the language in which they are speaking. In this assignment, you will investigate the research of a sociolinguist to provide context and background for the language variation and change of students that exists in your educational setting. Knowing how language varies among and between groups will help you identify how to structure the academic language lessons in your setting.  
Assignment Instructions
1. Summarize the work of the theorist you selected. Select from the list of sociolinguists below.
* What are the characteristics of the theorist’s work?
* How did the theorist contribute to current knowledge on language learning, theory, and variation?
2. Analyze how the theorist’s research approaches the role of language variation and change.
* How does the theorist describe language variation?
* How does the theorist describe language change?
3. Compare the theory with your classroom practices.
* How are the characteristics of the theory demonstrated in your setting?
4. Develop a strategy you could implement in your setting based on the theory.  
* How does this strategy connect ideas about language variation and change to ELLs?
* How can you invite students to notice and use linguistic varieties in your setting?
Sociolinguists
Select from the list of sociolinguists below for this assignment:  
* William Labov’s work on speech patterns among social classes.
* Peter Trudgill’s work on gender dialects among social classes.
* Jenny Cheshire’s work on non-standard variations and peer norms.
* Lesley Milroy’s work on closed and open social networks.
* Basil Bernstein’s work on restricted code and elaborated code.
* James Paul Gee’s work on membership in multiple discourse communities and situated language.
Submission Guidelines
Select from one of the three formats listed below to submit your assignment.
1. Use a concept mapping tool to create a mind map demonstrating the key relationships and elements of the sociolinguist’s theory and addressing the assignment requirements listed above.  
* Written communication: Written communication is free of errors that detract from the overall message.
* APA formatting: Resources and citations are formatted according to APA style and formatting.
* Font: Times New Roman, 12 point.
* Mind Mapping Tools:  Use any of the tools listed in the Resources or another mind-mapping program to create your mind map.
2. Create a video or record a podcast that presents the assignment requirements listed above. 
* Oral Communication: The presentation has a tone appropriate for a formal, professional audience.
* Presentation Format: Use Capella-provided Kaltura Media to record and upload your recording to the courseroom. 
* Provide a bibliography of all researched materials. Use APA format.
3. Write an 5–6 page narrative that addresses the assignment requirements listed above.
* Written communication: Written communication is free of errors that detract from the overall message.
* APA formatting: Resources and citations are formatted according to APA style and formatting.
* Font: Times New Roman, 12 point.