The course aims to provide students with both descriptive and interpretative foundations of the phenomenon of "language." The course will explore the features of human language in contrast with animal communication systems (including concepts such as the double articulation of linguistic signs, productivity, etc.). It will then cover the different levels of language analysis (the level of sounds, words, sentences, meanings, and actual usage — the respective domains of phonetics/phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics). The course will also introduce basic concepts of linguistic typology, sociolinguistic variation, and the main language families of the world.
Course Prerequisites
None
Teaching Methods
Lectures. Though not obligatory, attendance regularly is strongly recommended.
Laboratory. In laboratory classes, the students will learn how to apply descriptive notions to the analysis of real language materials.
Assessment Methods
The exam is designed to assess the level of understanding the student has achieved regarding the theoretical tools provided during the course and their application to real linguistic data. Knowledge and skills will be assessed through a written test consisting of 30 questions to be completed within 2 hours. The test questions include definitions, multiple-choice items, open-ended theoretical and/or argumentative responses, and exercises. The exercises include transcription of Italian words using IPA, morphological analysis, and syntactic structure analysis of Italian clauses. The topics will cover the course content: phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, general definitions of language and speech, relevant dimensions of linguistic variation, and theoretical reflections on linguistic diversity.
Assessment will be based on:
- the number of correct answers, with the possibility of partial credit; - formal and expository appropriateness; - clarity of expression and the ability to organize an argument.
Contents
- Introduction to the notion of language - Phonetics and phonology - Morphology and word formation - Lexicon - Syntax - Semantics - Pragmatics
Course Language
Italian
More information
Office hours: by appointment only (write an email to alessandra.barotto@uninsubria.it)
