Learner resource 1 – Example Language Investigation Projects
This list of project titles and brief overviews are provided to aid teachers and learners in gaining an insight into what types of projects could be undertaken.
1.An investigation into how class is represented in the text
The data would be collected from a series of extracts from literary texts where interactions between characters of different classes takes place. A comparison will be made into the devices used to convey each class and what statements may therefore be made about power dynamics between the characters.
This could be adapted by using a non-literary written data source wherein there are multiple representations of class.
2.An investigation into intergenerational women’s conversation during
The data would be collected from a transcript of a conversation between women of a range of generations to explore language usage change and the accommodations made between the generations to aid the fluency of conversation.
This could be adapted through scrutinising such a conversation within a literary text – exploring methods adopted by an author to represent generational variations in language use.
3.An investigation into the power-play between inter-gendered talk show hosts
The data would be taken from an example segment of a talk show programme. The focus of the investigation would be to explore the balance of power between the presenters. Does one speak more than another – how much scripted speech are they given, how much unscripted utterances do they engage in etc.
4.An investigation into the level of political rhetorical devices employed by party representatives on Newsnight/ Daily Politics/ Prime Minister Questions etc
The data would be taken from an example segment of a political broadcast. The focus would be to explore the types of devices adopted by party representatives to seize power in the debates.
This topic might be adapted by looking at campaign literature (manifestos/ information booklets) or multi-modal communications on websites for example.
Version 11© OCR 2017
Independent language research (Component 03)
5.An investigation into the language techniques used by a sales person (e.g estate agents/ phone sales person etc)
The data would be taken from either a transcript of a “live” exchange or could be focused on a programme such as Escape to the Country. How do sales agents seek to convince buyers to buy?
This topic might be adapted by collecting data from literature or television advertisements adopted by a company to promote products.
6.An investigation into Radio One/Two/Three/Four language use in order to appeal to its audience base.
Data would be collected from either one radio segment or two different channel segments to compare language usage between the two.
7.An investigation comparing Tennis and football commentaries.
Data would be collected from two different commentaries to compare the language usage in each.
This topic might be adapted to compare newspaper reviews of sport matches, either within the same sport or between different sports.
8.An investigation exploring the way language is used to aid learning in an ESOL class
Data would be taken from transcribing a segment of a lesson (either live or a online video)
9.An investigation in to supportive language strategies employed within a Slimming World/ Weight Watchers meeting
Data would be collected through transcribing a section of a meeting.
10.An investigation into language use within free play sessions within a nursery setting
Data would be collected from transcribing a play session between either inter-gender or single gender groups.
Version 11© OCR 2017
Independent language research (Component 03)