Teaching code

4S011714

Academic staff

Paola Cotticelli, Federico Righi

Coordinator

Paola Cotticelli

Credits

12

Language

Italian

Scientific Disciplinary Sector (SSD)

L-LIN/01 - HISTORICAL AND GENERAL LINGUISTICS

Period

CuCi 1 A, CuCi 1 B, CuCi 2 A, CuCi 2 B

Courses Single

Authorized

Lessons timetable Moodle Seminars 0

Learning objectives

The goal of this course is to have the student acquainted with some basic notions concerning several aspects of human language. The course aims to provide the epistemic and methodological basis for general linguistics and historical linguistics. To reach this goal, some of the key concepts of modern language science will be illustrated, such as the distinction between language and languages and the articulation in analytical levels, and the description of the main phonological, morpho-syntactic and semantic phenomena in the perspective of synchronic analysis and with reference to both Italian and other languages typologically and genealogically distant from one another. The main phenomena of change and linguistic contact in the diachronic key will also be discussed.

Prerequisites and basic notions

Basic notions of grammatical and logical analysis

Program

PART ONE. (dr. F. Righi)
1. Introduction: nature and function (Graffi-Scalise, chap. I and II; moodle ).
1.1. Language and languages: nature, origin, characteristics. 1.2. Think, communicate, act. The functions of language and languages.
1.3 Language acquisition (Graffi-Scalise, chap. 12)
2. Forms and analysis
2.1. Phonology. Notions and exercises (Graffi-Scalise chap. IV; moodle).
2.2. Phonology and writing. Problems and exercises (Graffi-Scalise chap. IV; Moodle).
2.3. Morphology. Notions and exercises related to morphemes, derivation, composition, inflection (Graffi-Scalise chap. V; Moodle).
2.4. Syntax. Lexicon, syntagm, sentence (Graffi-Scalise, chaps. VI and VII; Moodle).
2.5. Lexical and phrasal semantics (Graffi-Scalise chap. VIII; teacher's moodle cards).
2.6. Text and discourse (notes, teacher's moodle cards).
# NB: The chapters to be studied in the Graffi-Scalise manual are: chap. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, Appendix 1 (Brain and language) and 2 (Language and Artificial Intelligence)
# NB: In addition to the chapters in the manual, it is mandatory to study the files and materials indicated on the moodle.
-------
SECOND PART (prof.ssa P. Cotticelli)
1. Brief history of the discipline and its methods of investigation.
2. Linguistic genealogical classification, in particular of the Indo-European family; language families of the world.
3. Typological classification of world languages.
4. Main phenomena of language change on the different levels of analysis (phonological, morphological, semantic, syntactic).
5. Main linguistic contact phenomena in diachronic and synchronic key.
6. Description of Italian dialects.
7. Elements of sociolinguistics.

Bibliography

Didactic methods

Classroom lessons, classroom exercises, exercises uploaded to the platform (moodle), tutor desk

Learning assessment procedures

- Computerized test on the knowledge and skills acquired during the course of study.
- Final oral test.

Evaluation criteria

- Knowledge of disciplinary content.
- Level of competence
- Precision and accuracy in the acquisition of the specific vocabulary of the discipline.
- Ability to internalize and personalize the contents learned.
- In-depth analysis of the disciplinary content covered, if any.

Criteria for the composition of the final grade

The final grade takes into account the results of the written exams of each individual part of the program and the oral exam.

Exam language

Italiano.

Sustainable Development Goals - SDGs

This initiative contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN Agenda 2030. More information on sustainability