Linguistics

A.Y. 2023/2024
9
Max ECTS
60
Overall hours
SSD
L-LIN/01
Language
Italian
Learning objectives
The course aims at providing a basic training and learning in linguistics, and it leads to further deepening either in the field of linguistic sciences, or in the reflection about the (phonological, morpho-synctactical, lexical) structures of individual languages. The course aims at offering a deeper knowledge of the structural features and of the main phenomena shown by natural languages, in such a way to observe and to describe them according to a synchronic and a diachronic approach. This should be done also taking into consideration the the history of linguistic thought and the different theoretical models that have charachterized the Western tradition.
Expected learning outcomes
The student will be able to identify, describe and explain specific structural features and phenomena specifically exhibited by individual languages, following either a diachronic and synchronic approach, and he/she will have to link them to the general categories of linguistic analysis and description, to classify them with regard to the different methods and hermeneutic approaches of linguistic disciplines, and to describe them with an adequate and precise metalanguage.
Single course

This course can be attended as a single course.

Course syllabus and organization

Single session

Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
The course involves the compulsory acquisition of 9 credits, so students will comply with the complete program. Students who intend to acquire only 6 credits will agree on the program with the teacher.
The course will deal with the organs of phonation, phones production and phonetic representations (IPA and other phonetic transcription systems); the definition and organization of phonemes; the definition of linguistic significant units (morphemes) and the formation of words. It will also deal with the definition of phrases and the principles and processes that govern the structure of the sentence; the relationship between syntax and semantic-pragmatic aspects; the typological classification of languages based on the formation of words and the order of the major constituents of the sentence. It will deal also with the beginnings of historical-comparative linguistics and the clues that led to establishing relations between related languages and the "discovery" of language families. Reading of a text with linguistic analysis will constitute an example of the application of the theory.
Prerequisites for admission
The course is held entirely in Italian. The exam materials and bibliography presuppose grammatical skills that each student possesses in relation to the functioning of their own language, of other languages they have learned, and in the basic linguistic analysis skills acquired in lower study courses.
Teaching methods
The course adopts the following teaching methods: frontal lessons.
Teaching Resources
To start orienting yourself on the topics covered, you can consult the following:
1)G. Graffi-S. Scalise, Le lingue e il linguaggio, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2a edizione (2003) o 3a edizione (2013), capp. 1-10.
2)P. Maturi, I suoni delle lingue, i suoni dell'italiano. Nuova introduzione alla fonetica (3a ed.), Bologna, il Mulino, 2014.
3) Dispensa cartacea, a cura del docente.
4)M. Frascarelli-F.Ramaglia-B.Corpina, Elementi di sintassi, Caissa Italia, 2014.
5)G.Graffi, Breve storia della linguistica, Roma, Carocci, 2019.
6)S.Luraghi, Introduzione alla linguistica storica, Roma, Carocci, 2006.
7) A.Nocentini, L'Europa linguistica, Firenze, Le Monnier, 2004.

The definitive program will be communicated on ARIEL at the beginning of the course.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of an individual interview (in Italian), which includes questions asked by the teacher and interactions between the teacher and the student. The interview aims to verify knowledge of the topics covered during the course, the ability to identify and analyze the relevant phenomena and the precision in the use of specific terminology. International or Erasmus incoming students are invited to promptly contact the teacher. The examination procedures for students with disabilities and / or with DSA must be agreed with the teacher, in agreement with the competent Office.
L-LIN/01 - HISTORICAL AND GENERAL LINGUISTICS - University credits: 9
Lessons: 60 hours
Professor: Vai Massimo
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