Introduction to General Linguistics

The course is an introduction to modern general Linguistics. The approach is on a basic and general level with relevance for all students of languages.

What is a language? Languages can differ from each other very much, but only within certain limits. In order to understand why this is the case, a basic understanding is useful. Language is an important aspect in the lives of human beings. We cannot understand properly how people function without a clear picture of the role and nature of languages. Such an insight is also vital for those who make technical/digital tools for spelling, translations, search functions etc.

LING1105 focuses on the analysis of cross-linguistic aspects. Examples of typical linguistic questions are: How are linguistic messages influenced by the context? (This approach is called Pragmatics.) How do words combine into phrases and sentences and in a certain way (Syntax)? How do sounds act in the language structure (Phonology)? What do the words and phrases mean and why do they mean what they mean (Semantics)? What happens when a language changes (Diachronic Linguistics)?

The course forms the basis of the later courses, LING1111, LING1112, LING1113 and LING1114, which specialize in the various areas.

The content and focus can vary somewhat according to the composition of the class.
After having taken this topic, the students should

(Phonology)
• Understand and be able to account for the difference between phonology and phonetics

• Understand and be able to account for the basic features of generative phonology

• Understand and be able to account for the for SPE-formalism and certain relevant phonological units

• Be able to describe data and conduct simple analyses according to this

(Syntax)
Be able to explain the basic notions in morphology and syntax

• Have elementary knowledge of notational systems for morphological and syntactic analysis

• Be able to perform elementary morphological and syntactic analyses

(Semantikk)
• Be able to explain the basic notions in semantics

• Know of a number of phenomena treated in semantics and be able to express her/himself about these in a precise fashion

• Have elementary knowledge of notational systems for semantic analysis

Lectures and group instructions. More on assessment: Obligatory exercises have to be approved before the student may take the written exam. The size of the exercises must be between 2-4 A4-pages each (line spacing 1.5). In special cases, upon student petition to the Department, a take-home exam may be allowed.