ATS2668 · Structure in the languages of the world

Overview

Is there something that all languages of the world share? Is our capacity for language innate and somehow hard-wired in our brain or is it essentially based on social learning, interaction and imitation? And what role do such questions play in the field of linguistics and for theories about grammar? In this unit we investigate the grammatical phenomena found in a wide range of languages of the world and the basic tools we can draw on for their analysis and description. The unit combines this exploration of grammar with an enquiry into how children learn language and the field of linguistic typology and universals.

Areas of study: Linguistics

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. identify and describe structural phenomena in a variety of different languages;
2. identify cross-linguistic patterns in morpho-syntax and discuss claims of universality;
3. apply different theoretical approaches to the analysis of language using the relevant terminology;
4. assess evidence supporting various theories and thereby evaluate these theories;
5. read and understand grammatical descriptions of languages and discussions of grammatical phenomena in the linguistic literature;
6. use analytic and interpretive skills in dealing with language data.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.