Module Code - Title:
LI4211
-
LINGUISTICS 1
Year Last Offered:
2023/4
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The module is designed to serve as an introduction to basic concepts and theories in linguistics. The various subfields and branches of linguistics will be introduced and discussed in class lectures.
Syllabus:
The module comprises four distinct but also interrelated themes, each of which will be dealt with in sequential blocks over the twelve week module:
1. Nature of language and linguistics: In this first part, students will be introduced to basic concepts in linguistics, including: language, duality, arbitrariness.
2. Phonetics & Phonology. In this second part, students will learn how to recognise and categorise the sounds of English and other languages.
3. Morpho-Syntax. In the third section, students will focus on how words are formed and how they combine to make sentences.
4. Semantics and Pragmatics: The final section of the module will focus on meaning and its relevance to the study of language.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
Understand the purpose of linguistic study, including phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax and semantics.
Identify patterns and systems in language and develop tools of analysis with which to examine language.
Demonstrate how words are structured and describe how they are formed.
Understand sentence structure and describe how words combine to make sentences.
Comprehend grammatical systems and describe how language conveys meaning.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
Appreciate the value and uniqueness in language.
Use the skills learned in this course to describe languages of the world.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
Read the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) and use it in language learning situations and descriptions.
Describe the locations of sound production in the vocal tract.
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
The course involves 3 hours per week of contact with the students, 2 core lectures and 1 tutorial. Each week the first lecture will introduce a particular aspect of the course e.g. syntax. In the tutorial the students will do exercieses to ensure they can put the content in to use. The second lecture of each week will expand and conclude the given topic. Students will also be expected to be expanding their own knowledge outside of the classroom, for which a number of resources will be provided for them.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Yule, G. (2006)
The Study of Language
, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Matthews, P.H. (2007)
Concise Dictionary of Linguistics
, Oxford: Oxford University Press
Meyer, C. (2011)
Introducing English Linguistics
, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
Other Relevant Texts:
Widdowson (2000)
Linguistics
, Oxford University Press
Underhill, A. (1994)
Sound Foundations
, Britain: MacMillan Publishing
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester - Year to be First Offered:
Autumn
-
09/10
Module Leader:
mairead.moriarty@ul.ie