Grammar and Communication

This course has two components. The syntax-component aims to give the student thorough advanced competence in the analysis of Norwegian and Nordic language structure and in the analysis of structural similarities and dissimilarities between languages. This happens via an introduction to the basic elements in generative principles and parameters theory, where the main focus is placed on syntactical analysis, but the interaction between syntax and semantics will also be covered.

The intonology-component offers an introduction to the analysis of the interaction between syntax and intonation, and of how the intonation of the sentence influences its semantic and pragmatic interpretation. The course includes an introduction to the most important elements of the Trondheim model of intonological analysis, which is a model of analysis that also incorporates a semantic-pragmatic component. It is also possible to chose a curriculum solely of syntax or intonology.

At completion of the course, students will be able to master the most important terms and techiques of analysis in the grammatical tehories they have learned (syntax or intonology), and be able to use generative syntax to analyse central features of Norwegian language structure.
The student will be able to use methods of analysis in a creative and independent manner.

Lectures/group work including exercises. Supervision will be offered during the course of the semester. Obligatory activity: Approved reading list and 4 approved exercise (2-4 pages). There will be an oral/written assessment (approved/not approved) of the assignments.