History of the Lithuanian Language 3020-1A2HJL
Introductory course giving a brief overview of both the internal and the external history of the Lithuanian language. Historical grammar is presented in a very elementary and succinct way, but the external history is discussed in more detail, taking into account the political, social and cultural context in which the Lithuanian language evolved. The course successively covers such subjects as the prehistory of Lithuanian, the Old Lithuanian texts and their value for linguistics, and the gradual process of formation and codification of what is now Standard Lithuanian. The role of individual writers and philologists in the development of the language is also discussed.
Type of course
Mode
Prerequisites (description)
Learning outcomes
On completion of the course the student:
(KNOWLEDGE)
- understands the basic aims, assumptions and methods of historical linguistics;
- is aware of the specific features of the development of Lithuanian as compared with other European languages;
- characterizes the successive periods in the attested history of Lithuanian with regard to internal and external history;
(SKILLS)
- reads short and uncomplicated Old Lithuanian texts if provided with explanatory notes;
- explains some basic phonetic and morphonological features of modern Lithuanian by invoking historical facts;
(AWARENESS)
- realizes the importance of the historical study of language for a thorough understanding of the present-day language.
Assessment criteria
Oral examination, to which the student is admitted on condition of obtaining the term credit on the basis of attendance and participation in classes.
During the examination every student has to answer two questions from a list made accessible in advance.
Bibliography
Z. Zinkevičius 1998: History of the Lithuanian Language. Wilno: Mokslas.