Examines the variations that exist in English. Analyzes factors that contribute to linguistic variation, both from a diachronic as well as a synchronic point of view. This course explores variation as it is found in American English, and it includes a detailed analysis of African-American vernacular English. In addition, participants discuss various other varieties of English around the world, including English-based Creole languages. An important emphasis in this course is on the implications of variation in English for the ESL/EFL classroom. [ 3 credits ]