Ethnography of Communication (EC) is a theoretical approach, which is drawn principally from Anthropology and Linguistics, aiming at analyzing language and communication in context, together with culture as it surfaces in and is constructed by communication practices that are shared, deeply felt, and accessible to members of a speech community. The EC studies communication practices in particular contexts, and most importantly, from the perspective of those who partake in such practices.
The series of lectures included in this file were designed to introduce Master One students, Promotion: Language and Culture (LC). EC, a module to be taught in the Master’s Algerian Educational programme. The areas of study covered in this handout are those which conventionally fall under the headings of The EC. It suggests that what language is cannot be separated from how and why it is used. The course is a blend of theory, practice, and method, with particular focus on ‘participant observation’.
The first semester will be devoted to the study of the theoretical foundations of the EC. This theoretical foundation is crucial for understanding and knowing how to implement the different ethnographic methods necessary to carry out an EC research project.
The second semester will cover some qualitative/ethnographic methods and we will learn how to use them. As the etymology of Ethnography indicates, the process of writing or recording is entailed in the meaning of the word, and as such, we will devote some time to the discussing the issues and politics of writing an ethnographic report.
Master One students will, we believe, be introduced here to some fundamentals of the ethnographic spirit in the study of communicative conduct. Moreover, it is hoped that that spirit will lead them to further study the methods and materials of the EC.
Along with some of the basic 'core' articles that present this perspective, students will read about ethnographic work which has been done (and which is currently being done) on specific topics and in particular geographic locations, while at the same time conducting ethnographic observations within a chosen community or site of interaction (e.g. a coffee shop, a supermarket, a gym, an office, a team working together a collaborative project).
Therefore, this course has been written to assist the aforementioned students in their work in EC lectures. The course primary goal is to provide an overview of the field of EC. It will focus on a broad array of EC issues.
- it is important to mention that this course will be delivered through a series of lectures, directed as well as self managed readings and thoroughly updated resources as well as individual and/or group research. Students need to keep in mind that a considerable time commitment is needed to complete the academic requirements of this subject, so they are expected to take part in classroom discussions with peers and submit written assignments on time.