General provisions

The course may be given as an independent course, as a module within Linguistics A, and within semester 1 of the BA in Languages. It can also be taken within the BA in Language Technology and the MA in Language Techonology.

Entry requirements

Linguistics I, 7.5 credits, or The Structure of Bantu Languages with Focus on East Africa, 7.5 credits

Learning outcomes

On completion of this course, to be given the grade Pass, the student should at least be able to:

• explain the term language typology,
• account for the differences between, and the purposes of, the following three ways of classifying languages linguistically: genetic classification, typological classification and area classification,
• describe and problematise the concepts linguistic equivalent and linguistic universal,
• understand gloss and be able to interpret glossed examples of languages and understand common abbreviations,
• account for "the demography of the languages" at a general level in the world and the difference between language diversity ("many languages") and language family diversity ("many language families"),
• account for various types of typological classification systems in linguistics including morphological typology word order typology,
• describe the concept of sprachbund and account for some well-known examples of sprachbunds (The Balkans, South Asia),
• account for the terms marked and unmarked and different marking strategies in the languages of the world,
• account for the differences between nominative-accusative, ergative-absolutive and split ("split ergativity") case marking systems.

Content

The course should give an introduction to what unites and separates the languages of the world. The focus of the course lies on common and distinguishing features of the languages of the world as it applies to vocabulary, grammar and sound structure. Issues concerning language and culture, multilingualism and language planning will also be covered, illustrated through the description and analysis of concrete language situations in different parts of the world.

Instruction

Instruction consists of lectures, workshops and assessment. The student's own learning activities are crucial for the completion of the course.

Assessment

The course is assessed through oral and/or written assignments and/or a final exam. The teacher can as part of the examination require compulsory attendance and active participation. The course requirements are announced in writing at the start of the course by the convenor of the course.

Other directives

The course may not be included in a degree if equivalent parts have been studied within another course included in the degree.