Historical Linguistics
A.Y. 2026/2027
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide students with notions of historical linguistics more advanced than those acquired during the Comparative Philology course of the three-year degree.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge
At the end of the course, the student will have broadened his knowledge of the aspects of linguistic variation; he will also have a knowledge of the most up-to-date bibliographic tools and repertoires useful for the investigation of Indo-European languages; moreover, he will have become familiar with the main interpretative models typical of historical linguistics.
Skills
The student will be able to interpret the linguistic data in a diachronic perspective and to correctly conduct the etymological analysis in its various articulations; finally, he will be able to use the relevant bibliographic tools and etymological repertoires, to critically evaluate their contribution and assess their reliability.
At the end of the course, the student will have broadened his knowledge of the aspects of linguistic variation; he will also have a knowledge of the most up-to-date bibliographic tools and repertoires useful for the investigation of Indo-European languages; moreover, he will have become familiar with the main interpretative models typical of historical linguistics.
Skills
The student will be able to interpret the linguistic data in a diachronic perspective and to correctly conduct the etymological analysis in its various articulations; finally, he will be able to use the relevant bibliographic tools and etymological repertoires, to critically evaluate their contribution and assess their reliability.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
The 'Historical Linguistics' course is intended for students who have already acquired knowledge in 'Linguistics'. It aims to provide students with a more advanced understanding of historical linguistics than that acquired during the 'Linguistics' course of the three-year degree programme, leading, by the end of the course, to a broader knowledge of processes of linguistic variation, the main interpretative models specific to historical linguistics, as well as the most up-to-date bibliographical resources and reference works useful for the study of Indo-European languages.
The course aims to encourage reflection on the historical-comparative paradigm and on the reconstruction of aspects of Indo-European culture and ideology, examined through the linguistic analysis of texts in ancient Indo-European languages, which will be presented and discussed in class. With a view to developing skills in 'Digital Humanities' as well, the course includes an in-depth exploration of the resources and research tools that 'Digital Humanities' make available to linguistics, particularly in the study of ancient languages.
The course aims to encourage reflection on the historical-comparative paradigm and on the reconstruction of aspects of Indo-European culture and ideology, examined through the linguistic analysis of texts in ancient Indo-European languages, which will be presented and discussed in class. With a view to developing skills in 'Digital Humanities' as well, the course includes an in-depth exploration of the resources and research tools that 'Digital Humanities' make available to linguistics, particularly in the study of ancient languages.
Prerequisites for admission
The course (Type A, 40 h. 6 ECTS) is intended for students who have already taken an exam in Comparative Philology.
Teaching methods
The course (Type A) consists of synchronous lectures (DE) designed to impart the knowledge covered by the course. The analysis of literary and epigraphic texts in ancient Indo-European languages, with reference both to their formal structures and to the cultural and ideological content they convey, will enable us to reconstruct and to illustrate aspects of Indo-European society and ideology.
Teaching Resources
- Silvia Luraghi, "Introduzione alla linguistica storica", Roma, Carocci, 2021 new ed. (I ed. 2014);
- Romano Lazzeroni, "La cultura indoeuropea", Roma-Bari, Laterza, 1998.
- Didactic materials available on the Ariel site (2026-2027).
In addition, non attending students are required to study:
- Enrico Campanile - Bernard Comrie - Calvert Watkins, Introduzione alla lingua e alla cultura degli Indoeuropei, Bologna, il Mulino, 2005.
- Romano Lazzeroni, "La cultura indoeuropea", Roma-Bari, Laterza, 1998.
- Didactic materials available on the Ariel site (2026-2027).
In addition, non attending students are required to study:
- Enrico Campanile - Bernard Comrie - Calvert Watkins, Introduzione alla lingua e alla cultura degli Indoeuropei, Bologna, il Mulino, 2005.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Oral test: The oral test consists of an interview on the topics indicated in the syllabus, aimed at ascertaining students' knowledge of the topics dealt with in the individual teaching parts and the contents of the reference texts indicated in the syllabus. In addition to in-depth knowledge of the contents proposed, the students must demonstrate that they are able to apply the knowledge acquired in order to analyse and interpret the linguistic facts submitted to them in an appropriate manner.
The clarity and punctuality of the answers and the precise and correct use of the specialist vocabulary of the discipline will also contribute to the final evaluation. Marks are out of 30.
International or Erasmus incoming students are kindly requested to contact the teacher of the course. Also students with disabilities should contact the teacher of the course, in order to discuss alternative examination methods, in agreement with the competent Office.
The clarity and punctuality of the answers and the precise and correct use of the specialist vocabulary of the discipline will also contribute to the final evaluation. Marks are out of 30.
International or Erasmus incoming students are kindly requested to contact the teacher of the course. Also students with disabilities should contact the teacher of the course, in order to discuss alternative examination methods, in agreement with the competent Office.
GLOT-01/A - Historical and General Linguistics - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Biondi Laura
Professor(s)
Reception:
Tuesday, 9.00-12.00 (First Semester). Tuesday, 16.30-18.30, Wednesday, 9.00-10.00 (II Semester)
Microsoft Teams Platform. Please, contact the teacher via email.