Objectives and competences
The student acquires the ability to comprehend the basic concepts of English linguistics, the structure of language, with individual linguistic fields, and the mechanisms that control the interactions between these fields. S/he learns about the synchronic and diachronic aspects of language, thus acquiring a general overview into the development of English language and the varieties of it. The student also gains knowledge about the role of language in society and culture.
With the course the student acquires sufficient knowledge for successful continuation in individual linguistic courses in the following years of study.
Content (Syllabus outline)
The course gives an overview of the synchronic and diachronic aspects of language. The student gains the ability to analyse the English language in the context of the following topics:
• Levels of language (the example of English)
• Social and functional varieties of (the example of English)
• Origin of language
• Properties of language with regard to other systems of communication
• Development of writing and the relation between writing and speaking in English
• Language and the brain
• Language and animal communication
• Language aquisition and learning
• Semantics (the example of English)
• Syntax (the example of English)
• Pragmatics and discourse (the example of English)
Learning and teaching methods
• Lectures,
• Tutorials,
• Homework assignments.
Intended learning outcomes - knowledge and understanding
After the completed course, the studenti will be able to:
- recognize the basic differences between the concept of language and its practical use, and the concept of linguistics as the field of study dealing with language, elements constituting it and the mechanisms controlling, changing, guiding and developing them.
- use the gained knowledge in the study of individual topics in English linguistics introduced in later years of study, as this knowledge is the basis of the contexualization of individual topics in the broader concept of language as a system.
- recognize the connections between the different levels of language and functions of language;
- critically evaluate theories about the origins and development of language.
Readings
Aitchison, J. 1995: Linguistics: An Introduction. Hodder Arnold H&S.
Hudddleston, R. in G. K. Pullum 2005: A Student's Introduction to English Grammar. Cambridge: CUP.
Quirk, R. in S. Greenbaum 1993: A University Grammar of English. London: Longman.
Yule, G. 1996: The Study of Language. CUP.
Everett D. L. 2012. Language: The Cultural Tool. New York, NY: Pantheon Books.
Prerequisits
Attendance of 80%, participation in the course and the completion of individual homework assignments are prerequisites for taking the written exam.
Additional information on implementation and assessment Type (examination, oral, coursework, project):
• Seminar paper - 20 %
• Written exam - 80 %
