Objectives and competences
The objective of this course is to systematically deal with contemporary linguistic theories at different levels of language (from the phonological level to discourse), encourage students to take interest in somewhat unappreciated and seemingly inapplicable theoretical issues in such a manner as to show that it is possible through the understanding of theoretical models to solve current linguistic problem (e.g. through optimality theory to explain processes occurring in children’s speech, in dialects, etc..)
Content (Syllabus outline)
• The course deals with linguistics and language theories from a contemporary student friendly aspect. The earlier language theories and theoreticians (Transformational grammar, Structuralism) are dealt with only briefly as a basis for the understanding of newer theories, which developed from them.
The course involves:
• Elements of transformational grammar, structuralism and functionalism,
• Natural theory
• Cognitive linguistics
- Hypothesis about the conceptual structure of language
- Attention, judgment and perspective in language
- Categorization in language – prototype theory
• Other theories:
- Underspecification and Markedness
- Lexical theory
- Dependency theory
- Government theory
- Optimality theory
Learning and teaching methods
• lectures (method of explanation and clarification with final discussion)
• guided discussion
• group work
• individual research work
• guided analysis and interpretation of issues
Intended learning outcomes - knowledge and understanding
On completion of this course the student will be able to understand
How present-day (contemporary) linguistic theories came to being.
Which contemporary linguistic theories exist at present
Which linguistic theories are accepted more and which less and why.
Which linguistic theories are used more for solving problems in the standard language (e.g. Government theory) and which for dealing with issues relating to children’s language, regional varieties of language, social varieties of language, etc. (e.g. Optimality theory)
How to apply linguistic theories in practice
Intended learning outcomes - transferable/key skills and other attributes
Ability to collect and explore linguistic data and to use theories in the formation of hypotheses
Ability to address problems of communication
Readings
Croft, William in D. Alan Cruse. 2004. Cognitive Linguistics. Cambridge. CUP
Goldsmith, J.A., 1996. A Handbook of Phonological Theory. Blackwell Publishers.
McCarthy, J. J. 2008. A Thematic Guide to Optimality Theory. Cambridge University Press
McCarthy, J. J. 2002. Doing Optimality Theory: Applying Theory to Data. Blackwell Publisher
