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

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

1. Describe syntactic, morphological and semantic patterns of the languages of the world.
2. Analyse raw linguistic data to determine features of a language.
3. Categorize changes in languages resulting from language internal and external factors.
4. Label morpho-syntactic and semantic features of languages with disciplinary terminology.

Transferable skills

1. Write research-based work in a clear, informative, and structured way.
2. Communicate clearly in oral presentation and academic discussion.
3. Propose appropriate methodologies to document and study language.
4. Discuss core theories, findings, and approaches from a range of linguistic disciplines.