Coursework: Language Investigation

The Language Investigation coursework is a core component of the Pearson A-Level English Language qualification, typically accounting for 20% of the total A-Level marks. This independent research project requires you to select a real-world language data set—such as conversations, interviews, social media posts, or historical texts—and analyse it using linguistic frameworks. The investigation allows you to apply theories from language variation, change, acquisition, or discourse analysis to a topic of your choice, demonstrating your ability to think critically and work like a linguist. It's your chance to explore an area of language that genuinely interests you, whether that's how teenagers use slang on TikTok, how politicians persuade audiences, or how gender influences conversational styles.

Why does this matter? Beyond the exam, this coursework develops transferable skills in research design, data collection, ethical considerations, and academic writing—all essential for university and many careers. It also deepens your understanding of how language operates in real contexts, making abstract theories tangible. The investigation is divided into three stages: planning (choosing a topic and collecting data), analysis (applying frameworks like pragmatics, lexis, grammar, or phonetics), and evaluation (reflecting on your methodology and findings). You'll produce a 2000-word report (excluding data and appendices) that must be your own work, with no collaboration or external editing.

To succeed, you need to demonstrate a clear research question, systematic analysis, and critical engagement with linguistic concepts. The best investigations are focused—narrow your scope to a specific phenomenon (e.g., 'How does code-switching function in bilingual family dinners?') rather than a broad topic (e.g., 'Language and gender'). Your data should be authentic and ethically sourced (e.g., with consent for recordings). The examiner expects you to show understanding of relevant theories (e.g., Grice's maxims, Labov's narrative structure, or Halliday's functions of language) and to evaluate their applicability to your data. Avoid simply describing data; instead, interpret patterns and link them to wider linguistic debates.