Leader: Dr Anna Margetts

Offered

Not offered in 2008

Synopsis

The unit introduces students to Eastern Austronesian languages and cultures of Indonesia, East Timor and Oceania, covering issues in linguistic structure (morphology, syntax), sociolinguistic, and anthropological linguistics. Students will learn about the linguistic structure of Eastern Austronesian languages as well as the history of the Austronesian language family and the dispersal of the Austronesian people through linguistic, archaeological, anthropological, and genetic evidence. The unit will discuss issues such as language contact (including with neighbouring languages groups of Indonesia and New Guinea), special registers, language endangerment and language socialization.

Objectives

After successfully completing this unit, students should be able to:

1. describe and analyse data from Austronesian languages of the Molucas and Oceania,
2. identify key features of the morphology, syntax and semantics of these languages,
3. discuss the relationship between languages in this geographical area and identify contact phenomena between them,
4. use linguistic, archaeological, anthropological, and genetic evidence to evaluate theories of the history of Austronesian languages and of the dispersal of the Austronesian people.

1. use analytic and interpretative skills in dealing with language data
2. read critically
3. assess evidence supporting various theories and thereby evaluate these theories
4. present logical, coherent arguments both orally and in writing.

Assessment

Participation 10%, Class presentation equivalent to 700 words 20%, Take-home test equivalent to 800 words 30%, Research essay 3000 words 40%

Contact hours

1 two-hour seminar

Prerequisites

LIN 1010 and LIN 1020 OR ANY1010 and ANY1020 OR INM1010 and INM1020 OR INM1030 and INM1040

Prohibitions

LIN2070