ET230-15 Morphology and Syntax
Introductory description
This module expands on concepts introduced during ET118: Linguistics: Understanding Language in order to provide core knowledge and skills in the core linguistic domains of morphology and syntax. It aims to:
-Familiarise students with the morphological and syntactic systems of the world’s languages and how these interact with the meaning systems.
-Introduce methodologies to document, study, and analyse language data.
-Engage students in linguistic analysis within a language and cross-linguistically, both synchronically and diachronically.
-Introduce research about and approaches to subfields of linguistics, such as language change.
Module aims
The module aims to:
- Provide rigorous instruction in two core domains of linguistics, as established by the
UK Quality Code for Higher Education Subject Benchmark Statement: morphology and syntax. - Expand on concepts introduced during ET118: Linguistics: Understanding Language in order to build core knowledge and skills for students in the field of language study.
- Introduce methodologies to document, study, and analyse language data.
- Engage students in linguistic analysis within a language and cross-linguistically, both synchronically and diachronically.
This module will contribute primarily to the achievement of Course Aims #1, #2, #4 and #7:
- Provide a thorough grounding in theories and research findings related to intercultural interaction and linguistics.
- Give students an in-depth understanding and awareness of the nature of generic, discoursal and linguistic features relevant to different cultural and professional contexts.
- Enable students to analyse cross-linguistic features and contexts, and authentic cross-cultural and intercultural discourses using both quantitative and qualitative methods.
- Enable students to undertake an in-depth study of issues relating to intercultural linguistics.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
Illustrative Weekly Syllabus:
Comparing and classifying world languages
Morphology
Nouns, pronouns and nominal categories
Verbs, verbal categories and other word classes
Syntax: Coding grammatical relations
Syntax: Alignment and marking
Syntax: Clause types and complex sentences
Morpho-syntactic change
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Describe morphological, syntactic and semantic patterns of the languages of the world.
- Label morpho-syntactic and semantic features of languages with disciplinary terminology.
- Analyze raw linguistic data to determine features of a language.
- Categorize changes in languages resulting from language internal and external factors.
- Propose appropriate methodologies to document and study language.
- Discuss core theories, findings, and approaches from a range of linguistic disciplines.
Indicative reading list
Burridge, K. & Bergs, A. (2016). Understanding language change. Routledge.
Haspelmath, M., & Sims, A. (2013). Understanding morphology. Routledge.
Payne, T. E. (1997). Describing morphosyntax: A guide for field linguists. Cambridge, U.K: Cambridge University Press.
Tallerman, M. (2014). Understanding syntax. Routledge.
Velupillai, V. (2012). An introduction to linguistic typology. Amsterdam/Philadelphia: John Benjamins Publishing.
Whaley, L. J. (1996). Introduction to typology: the unity and diversity of language. London: Sage Publications.
Research element
Students analyse raw linguistic data to determine features of a language. Students are also required to review research literature to inform their analysis and to make cross-linguistic comparisons.
Interdisciplinary
Students practice foundational linguistic analysis skills that transfer to branches of anthropology, sociology, history, cognitive science, and language teaching and learning.
International
Students engage with datasets drawn from a wide range of languages, increasing cross-linguistic exposure and providing pathways to multilingualism.
Subject specific skills
- Describe syntactic, morphological and semantic patterns of the languages of the world.
- Analyse raw linguistic data to determine features of a language.
- Categorize changes in languages resulting from language internal and external factors.
- Label morpho-syntactic and semantic features of languages with disciplinary terminology.
Transferable skills
- Write research-based work in a clear, informative, and structured way.
- Communicate clearly in oral presentation and academic discussion.
- Propose appropriate methodologies to document and study language.
- Discuss core theories, findings, and approaches from a range of linguistic disciplines.
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 9 sessions of 2 hours (12%) |
| Seminars | 9 sessions of 1 hour (6%) |
| Other activity | 6 hours (4%) |
| Private study | 117 hours (78%) |
| Total | 150 hours |
Private study description
Reading subject materials
Homework tasks
Assignments
Revision
Other activity description
Revision sessions
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group C
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1500 word assignment | 50% | Yes (extension) | |
| Online Examination | 50% | No | |
|
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Feedback on assessment
Written feedback on the assignment will be provided on the Centre's standard feedback sheets, which conform to Faculty regulations. This will include both summary and detailed feedback. Where appropriate, additional feedback may be provided via personal meetings with the tutor.
Courses
This module is Core for:
- Year 2 of ULNA-R1Q2 Undergraduate French Studies with Linguistics
- Year 2 of ULNA-R1Q3 Undergraduate French and Linguistics
- Year 2 of ULNA-R2Q2 Undergraduate German Studies with Linguistics
- Year 2 of ULNA-R4Q1 Undergraduate Hispanic Studies and Linguistics
- Year 2 of UETA-X3Q5 Undergraduate Language, Culture and Communication
- Year 2 of UETA-X3Q8 Undergraduate Language, Culture and Communication (with Intercalated Year)
- Year 2 of UETA-Q1A7 Undergraduate Linguistics with Chinese (with Intercalated Year)
- Year 2 of UETA-Q1A8 Undergraduate Linguistics with Japanese (with Intercalated Year)
- Year 2 of UETA-Q1A6 Undergraduate Linguistics with Russian (with Intercalated Year)
- Year 2 of ULNA-R9Q1 Undergraduate Modern Languages and Linguistics
- Year 2 of ULNA-R9Q2 Undergraduate Modern Languages with Linguistics
- Year 2 of UPSA-C802 Undergraduate Psychology with Linguistics
- Year 2 of UETA-Q310 in English Language and Linguistics
- Year 2 of UETA-Q311 in English Language and Linguistics (with Intercalated year)