Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level

June 2025
(Time: 2 hours)
Paper
reference WEN04/01
English Language
International Advanced Level
UNIT 4: Investigating Language

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 Topic: Global English
Subtopic: Appalachian English
Appalachian English (also known as Appalachian Mountain Talk) is a distinct dialect of
American English spoken in the Appalachian region of the United States, which includes
parts of states like West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia and North Carolina.
It developed from Scots‑Irish and English settlers who migrated to the region in the
18th and 19th centuries. These early settlers brought with them their own linguistic
traditions and dialects which blended with the language of other immigrant groups and
the indigenous people of the region. Over time, Appalachian English evolved as a result
of cultural influences and the terrain of the Appalachian Mountains which limited contact
with outside communities.
Your investigation should focus on Appalachian English.
Areas to consider in your research:
• relevant frameworks of Appalachian English and theories associated with
language variation
• social, historical and cultural factors influencing the development of
Appalachian English
• current attitudes/debates towards varieties of English and language preservation.
Suggested research resources:
Data could be taken from transcripts of speakers of Appalachian English in the public
eye, representations in the media and everyday conversations.
Books:
Cramer. J and Burkette. A. (2024) The Social Life of Appalachian Englishes: A Sociolinguistic
Introduction. Oxon: Routledge.
Hazan, K. (2020) Appalachian Englishes in the Twenty-First Century. Morgantown:
West Virginia University Press.
Nelson, C. et al. (2020) The Handbook of World Englishes. 2nd edition. West Sussex:
Wiley Blackwell.
Trudgill, P. and Hannah, J. (2017) International English: A Guide to Varieties of English
Around the World. Oxon: Routledge.
Online resources:
https://dailyyonder.com/mountain-talk/2010/07/19/
https://www.bpr.org/news/2019-05-14/a-region-talks-back-linguists-record-diverse-
dialects-of-appalachia
https://daily.jstor.org/the-legendary-language-of-the-appalachian-holler/
https://eberly.wvu.edu/news-events/eberly-news/2017/06/12/the-h-word-fighting-
negative-language-stereotypes-in-appalachia
General revision sites:
www.universalteacher.org.uk
www.englishlangsfx.blogspot.com
https://www.englishandmedia.co.uk/emc-magazines/

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 Topic: Child Language Development
Subtopic: Children’s Books
Storytelling and books play a significant role in child language development by providing
a rich and immersive language learning experience. Children’s books are designed to
be engaging, accessible and understandable for young readers and for adults reading
to children. The language is often simplified and adapted to suit the age and level of
understanding of the intended audience. Books for young learners may also include
illustrations which help support the understanding of the text and provide visual cues.
Your investigation should focus on research regarding the language of children’s books
aimed at children aged 1–7 years old and how they support language acquisition at
different stages of development.
Areas to consider in your research:
• typical language features and storytelling techniques used in children’s books
• the social, cultural and pragmatic effects on children’s language development
• relevant theories associated with child language development.
Suggested research resources:
Data could be taken from children’s books for ages 1–7 years.
Books:
Bee, H. and Boyd, D. (2013) The Developing Child. 13th edition. Harlow: Pearson
Education Limited.
Clark, E. (2016) Language in Children. Oxon: Routledge.
Kümmerling-Meibauer, B. et al. (2015) Learning from Picturebooks: Perspectives from child
development and literacy studies. United Kingdom: Taylor & Francis.
Thiede, R. (2019) Children’s books, brain development, and language acquisition.
Oxon: Routledge.
Online resources:
https://cdn.literacytrust.org.uk/media/documents/Language_unlocks_reading.pdf
https://appbooka.com/blog/what-makes-a-good-childrens-book
https://ingostudio.com/storytelling/storytelling-development/#:~:text=Telling%20
and%20listening%20to%20stories%20help%20children%20learn,skills%20can%20be%20
used%20in%20many%20different%20ways.
https://theconversation.com/why-stories-matter-for-childrens-learning-52135
General revision sites:
http://universalteacher.org.uk/
https://englishlangsfx.blogspot.com/
https://www.englishandmedia.co.uk/emc-magazines

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 Topic: Language and Power
Subtopic: Legal Language
Legal Language refers to the specialised terminology and writing style used in the legal
field to communicate laws, regulations, contracts and other legal documents effectively.
It is characterised by precision and formality to ensure that the meaning is accurately
conveyed and understood by all parties involved. Legal language often includes
complex vocabulary, specific terminology and structured formats to provide clear and
concise representation of legal concepts and principles. Understanding legal language
is essential for interpreting and navigating the legal system as it plays a crucial role in
drafting, interpreting and enforcing laws and agreements.
Your investigation should focus on the language of power used in legal documents and
communications.
Areas to consider in your research:
• language features present in legal documents, laws and communications
• the influence of social, cultural and historical factors on legal language
• relevant theories associated with the language of power.
Suggested research resources:
Terms and conditions, contracts, government legislation, letters or communications from
a legal service.
Books:
Fairclough, N. (2014) Language and Power, 3rd edition. Oxon: Routledge.
Mooney, A. and Evans, B. (2018) Language, Society and Power: An Introduction, 5th edition.
Oxon: Routledge.
Roche, M. (2018) Master Legal Vocabulary & Terminology – Legal Vocabulary In Use:
Contracts, Prepositions, Phrasal Verbs + 425 Downloadable Expert Legal Documents &
Templates in English! No place: Macson Bell.
Schneidereit, G. (2007) Legal Language as a Special Language: Structural Features of English
Legal Language. Germany: GRIN Verlag.
Online resources:
https://dottedandcrossed.eu/a-brief-history-of-legalese-without-the-jargon/
https://news.mit.edu/2022/legal-writing-understanding-0307
https://blog.ipleaders.in/why-should-the-language-of-legal-drafting-be-simple/
https://www.lawsociety.org.uk/topics/blogs/7-legal-writing-mistakes-to-avoid
General revision sites:
http://universalteacher.org.uk/
https://englishlangsfx.blogspot.com/
https://www.englishandmedia.co.uk/emc-magazines

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 Topic: Language and Technology
Subtopic: e-learning
E-learning is the use of electronic technologies to deliver educational content and
training programmes. It can include online courses, virtual classrooms, teleconferencing,
interactive learning modules and other digital resources that allow individuals to learn
and acquire new skills remotely. Online learning can be delivered in a live format where
instructors and students interact in real time using video conferencing tools or via
pre‑recorded formats where educational content is recorded in advance by instructors.
E-learning is often used in schools, universities, businesses and other organisations to
provide flexible and accessible learning opportunities.
Your investigation should focus on the language used in communications on
e‑learning platforms.
Areas to consider in your research:
• the language features present in verbal and written discourse and how they are
impacted by contextual factors in e-learning environments
• the influence of social, cultural and pragmatic factors on how instructors and learners
communicate with each other effectively when engaging in e-learning
• relevant language theories to examine the communication strategies used in
e-learning environments.
Suggested research resources:
Online courses (live and pre-recorded), webinars, virtual classrooms, video lectures,
discussion forums, live chat and interactive modules.
Books:
Boettcher, J.V. and Conrad, R. (2021) The Online Teaching Survival Guide: Simple and
Practical Pedagogical Tips, 3rd edition. San Francisco: Jossey Bass.
Coombs, N. (2010) Making Online Teaching Accessible: Inclusive Course Design for
Students with Disabilities (Jossey-Bass Guides to Online Teaching and Learning Book 17).
San Francisco: Jossey Bass.
Glazier, R. (2021) Connecting in the Online Classroom: Building Rapport between Teachers
and Students. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press.
Ko, S. and Rossen, S. (2017) Teaching Online: A Practical Guide. 4th edition.
Oxon: Routledge.
Online resources:
https://blogs.cornell.edu/learning/e-learning-how-technology-has-changed-education/
https://elearningindustry.com/the-impact-of-streaming-technology-on-education-
and‑training
https://pressbooks.pub/humanmooc/chapter/lets-talk-effectively-communicating-with-
your-online-students/
https://www.govloop.com/community/blog/7-barriers-digital-communication/
General revision sites:
http://universalteacher.org.uk/
https://englishlangsfx.blogspot.com/
https://www.englishandmedia.co.uk/emc-magazines

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