ALM4110 - General linguistics

Leader(s): Dr Keith Allan

Offered

Clayton First semester 2009 (Off-campus)

Synopsis

Introduction to the fundamental concepts and tools of analysis used in linguistics and applied linguistics; The representation of sound in language (phonetics); the organisation of sounds in languages (phonology); the structure of words (morphology); the organisation of words in sentences (syntax); meaning, meaning relations and meaning change (semantics and pragmatics); the analysis of discourse and conversation; writing systems and historical linguistics; digital tools for linguistics.

Objectives

Upon completion of this unit students should have knowledge of the fundamental concepts and tools of analysis used in linguistics and applied linguistics; be equipped with basic skills in linguistic analysis; have been introduced to a number of research areas in linguistics; and have developed a critical perspective on language issues and problems relevant to society (language policy and planning, language in education, language in the professions, language in business and the media, bilingualism, language learning, etc.).

Assessment

Three assignments (9000 words in total): 25%+25%+50%