Brief description

This module provides a general introduction on a descriptive level to the
main design features of human language. It complements modules in other
departments on language and/or literature, sociolinguistics and
computational linguistics. It makes students aware of basic concepts of
descriptive analysis which are relevant to more advanced and specialized
modules at levels 2 and 3.

Aims of the module

• To promote an understanding of linguistic structure on a descriptive level.
• To promote an understanding of the methods and principles of descriptive linguistic analysis.
• To provide opportunities to practice and develop analytic skills.
• To encourage the application of all of the above in debates on language issues in general but especially in Education.

Syllabus

Lectures are based on the following topics:

• Language and knowledge of language
• Accents and their sounds
• Over the segments
• Writing systems
• Words and their classes
• Combining words: phrases, sentences and linguistic creativity
• Words and their meanings
• Meaning and the wider context of language
• Variation in linguistic structure
• Human language and animal communication

Tutorials provide students with the opportunity to apply the principles and methods which are introduced in the lectures:

• to additional data,
• to issues relating to language, especially in Education.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this module, students should:

• have developed an introductory understanding of linguistic structure on a descriptive level;
• have become aware of the principles and methods of descriptive linguistics;
• be able to apply all of the above to debates on language issues, especially in Education.

Reading Lists