Introduction to Linguistics CLIL 2 3301-L1ILG-CLIL2
This is a continuation of the course from the first semester. The course is meant as an introduction to the study of language, both as a theoretical discipline and an area of knowledge with potential practical applications. The topics under discussion include issues in semantics and pragmatics. The starting point for the discussion is the idea of the code model of linguistic communication and the topics that follow are discussed with the aim of assessing the model’s potential with respect to explaining how meaning is communicated in natural language. Topics in semantics include the issue of lexical relations, as well as a discussion pertaining to basic conceptual mechanisms of metonymy and metaphor and their role in motivating polysemy in language. In turn, topics in pragmatics include introducing basic theoretical notions and discussing the role of context and inference in linguistic communication. The next step is a discussion of Grice’s theory: of his Co-operative Principle and how it is spelled out by maxims of conversation and of the mechanism of conversational implicature. This part of the course constitutes also an introduction to two more theoretical models in linguistic pragmatics: Austin’s theory of speech acts and the model of linguistic politeness proposed by Brown and Levinson. Finally, the discussion in the course encompasses also considerations pertaining to the issue of the relationship among language, human thought, and culture. The course involves extensive practice in the use of spoken and written English for academic purposes. In particular, the course involves in this respect the following issues: structure of an academic argumentative text; a discussion of the theoretical framework of an academic text; an analysis of linguistic data in terms of the theoretical tools proposed within the adopted framework; quoting, paraphrasing, making bibliographical references, bibliography
Type of course
Mode
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Knowledge
Students will be able to:
- K_W02 discuss key terminology, well established methods and theories of linguistics with respect to issues in semantics and pragmatics
- K_W04 describe the relation between language and historical and cultural processes on an advanced level, in particular with respect to semantic and pragmatic phenomena
- K_W05 list and discuss the characteristics of English semantics and pragmatics
- K_W08 describe, on an advanced level, the role of semantic mechanisms, in particular the mechanism of conceptual metonymy and metaphor, and pragmatic mechanisms in language change
- K_W13 define the key factors of second language acquisition and describe second language acquisition models advanced within English linguistics, with focus on how knowledge developed within theoretical semantics and pragmatics may be applied in developing effective methods of teaching English as a foreign language
Abilities
Students will be able to:
- K_U01 employ the terminology and methodological tools from semantics and pragmatics
- K_U03 analyze linguistic phenomena and draw generalizations on their basis with the use of the theoretical apparatus of semantics and pragmatics
- K_U05 collect information from various sources, critically assess a source and usefulness of information; analyze and draw generalizations on the basis of information so obtained, with respect to phenomena in semantics and pragmatics
- K_U08 plan and organize working alone and in a team to attain goals pertaining to an analysis of phenomena and issues in semantics and pragmatics
- K_U09 present knowledge and communicate in a cohesive, precise and linguistically correct manner in the English language at level C1 as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, in written assignments prepared for the course, as well as in oral presentations and free oral discussion of issues in semantics and pragmatics
Social competences
Students will be ready to:
- K_K03 value responsibility for one’s own work and respect the work of others, adhering to the professional and ethical norms in various projects, in particular with regard to respecting intellectual property in academic work, as well as fair cooperation with other students in team projects and respecting other opinions in class discussions
- K_K04 apply the skill to critically assess communicated content to think and act independently in various social situations, in particular thanks to a deeper understanding of the semantic and pragmatic mechanisms of linguistic communication
- K_K05 function effectively in social and cultural interactions, through various forms and media, thanks to the ability to express oneself in a cohesive and lucid manner, in particular with respect to semantic and pragmatic issues discussed in the course and thanks to the language skills developed in the course
Education at language level B2+.
Assessment criteria
- attendance
- participation in discussions
- 3 to 5 written assignments (a discussion of a theoretical approach to a phenomenon, an analysis of linguistic data in terms of tools proposed within a theoretical framework)
- presentations
- midterm test
- final test
3 absences are allowed.
Bibliography
Yule, George. 2006. The study of language. [3rd edn.]. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press (selected chapters)
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: