Theoretical Linguistics
A.Y. 2020/2021
Learning objectives
The course aims to introduce students to the study of human language science, the main instrument of communication in the homo sapiens species and a device of extraordinary structural complexity. For this purpose, a systematic treatment of the characteristics of the various levels of organization of the human language (phonology, morphology, syntax) will be examined with constant attention to the semantic and pragmatic dimensions. Insights into the methods of studying social variation in language will also be looked at. For both dimensions, structural and socio-historical, language will be provided to students with appropriate analysis tools, necessary to train professionals capable of working in different areas of communication.
Expected learning outcomes
The topics addressed are intended to provide students with systematic knowledge about the structures and historical social use of human language. From such an awareness comes the adequate competencies to be applied to an independent and knowledgeable analysis of the many aspects of human language. Particular attention will be given to the development of consciousness and the ability to analyse the social variation of language as the basis for the development of proper communicative competencies.
The acquisition by students of systematic knowledge about the structures and historic social use of human language will ensure them the appropriate skills for an autonomous and knowledgeable analysis of the multiple aspects of human language.
The acquisition by students of systematic knowledge about the structures and historic social use of human language will ensure them the appropriate skills for an autonomous and knowledgeable analysis of the multiple aspects of human language.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
The lessons will be held in remote mode, partly in asynchronous form, by uploading recorded lessons and other materials to the Ariel website, partly in synchronous form, with lessons held on MS Teams or Zoom platforms. During the synchronous lessons, which will in any case be recorded and made available to students, the contents of the course will be framed and guidance will be given on the exam and there will be exercises and in-depth analysis of some aspects of the topics covered.
Course syllabus
The course aims to introduce students to the study of the language sciences. In particular, tools will be provided for the analysis of the various levels of organization of human language (Parts A and B), with focus on the linguistic analysis of the text (Part C).
N.B Students of the Course in Liberal Studies in Communication registered in the academic years up to 2018-19 must supplement the examination programme following the indications given in the section "Teaching Materials" in order to acquire 12 CFU.
N.B Students of the Course in Liberal Studies in Communication registered in the academic years up to 2018-19 must supplement the examination programme following the indications given in the section "Teaching Materials" in order to acquire 12 CFU.
Prerequisites for admission
No prerequisites for admission.
Teaching methods
The teaching is carried out in a lecture format and is designed for the students to acquire the knowledge subject of the discipline.
The following materials will be uploaded to the Ariel website:
1) some slides projected during the lectures and related to topics which are not present in the texts in the bibliography
2) some useful aids for the preparation of the exam (exercises, sheet containing the scheme of the IPA alphabet, etc.)
3) indications of some websites of particular interest for the study of the discipline.
As regards the acquisition of the specific skills being taught, exercises will be carried out in the classroom relating to phonetic transcription and morphemic breakdown of words.
Attendance at the course is strongly recommended.
The following materials will be uploaded to the Ariel website:
1) some slides projected during the lectures and related to topics which are not present in the texts in the bibliography
2) some useful aids for the preparation of the exam (exercises, sheet containing the scheme of the IPA alphabet, etc.)
3) indications of some websites of particular interest for the study of the discipline.
As regards the acquisition of the specific skills being taught, exercises will be carried out in the classroom relating to phonetic transcription and morphemic breakdown of words.
Attendance at the course is strongly recommended.
Teaching Resources
Attending students
Part A
- lesson notes
- G. GRAFFI - S. SCALISE, Le lingue e il linguaggio. Introduzione alla linguistica, Bologna, il Mulino, 2013 or successive editions (EXCLUDING Chapters. 9, 11 and Appendix).
- G. BERRUTO, Prima lezione di sociolinguistica, Bari, Laterza (qualunque edizione).
Part B
- lesson notes
- E. BANFI- N. GRANDI, Lingue d'Europa. Elementi di storia e di tipologia linguistica, Roma, Carocci, 2003 or successive editions.
Part C
- lesson notes
- A. FERRARI, Linguistica del testo. Principi, fenomeni, strutture, Roma, Carocci, 2014 or successive editions.
N.B Students of the Course in Liberal Studies in Communication registered in the academic years up to 2018-19 must add to the programme the study of the following book:
- F. Casadei, Lessico e semantica, Roma, Carocci (any edition).
Non-attending students
Part A
- G. GRAFFI - S. SCALISE, Le lingue e il linguaggio. Introduzione alla linguistica, Bologna, il Mulino, 2013 or successive editions (EXCLUDING Chapters. 9, 11 and Appendix).
- P. MATURI, I suoni delle lingue, i suoni dell'italiano. Introduzione alla fonetica, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2006 or successive editions (introductions, chapters 1 and 2).
- G. BERRUTO, Prima lezione di sociolinguistica, Bari, Laterza (qualunque edizione).
Part B
- E. BANFI- N. GRANDI, Lingue d'Europa. Elementi di storia e di tipologia linguistica, Roma, Carocci, 2003 or successive editions.
- A. THORNTON, Morfologia, Roma, Carocci, 2005 or successive editions.
Part C
- A. FERRARI, Linguistica del testo. Principi, fenomeni, strutture, Roma, Carocci, 2014 or successive editions.
N.B Students of the Course in Liberal Studies in Communication registered in the academic years up to 2018-19 must add to the programme the study of the following book:
- F. Casadei, Lessico e semantica, Roma, Carocci (any edition).
Part A
- lesson notes
- G. GRAFFI - S. SCALISE, Le lingue e il linguaggio. Introduzione alla linguistica, Bologna, il Mulino, 2013 or successive editions (EXCLUDING Chapters. 9, 11 and Appendix).
- G. BERRUTO, Prima lezione di sociolinguistica, Bari, Laterza (qualunque edizione).
Part B
- lesson notes
- E. BANFI- N. GRANDI, Lingue d'Europa. Elementi di storia e di tipologia linguistica, Roma, Carocci, 2003 or successive editions.
Part C
- lesson notes
- A. FERRARI, Linguistica del testo. Principi, fenomeni, strutture, Roma, Carocci, 2014 or successive editions.
N.B Students of the Course in Liberal Studies in Communication registered in the academic years up to 2018-19 must add to the programme the study of the following book:
- F. Casadei, Lessico e semantica, Roma, Carocci (any edition).
Non-attending students
Part A
- G. GRAFFI - S. SCALISE, Le lingue e il linguaggio. Introduzione alla linguistica, Bologna, il Mulino, 2013 or successive editions (EXCLUDING Chapters. 9, 11 and Appendix).
- P. MATURI, I suoni delle lingue, i suoni dell'italiano. Introduzione alla fonetica, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2006 or successive editions (introductions, chapters 1 and 2).
- G. BERRUTO, Prima lezione di sociolinguistica, Bari, Laterza (qualunque edizione).
Part B
- E. BANFI- N. GRANDI, Lingue d'Europa. Elementi di storia e di tipologia linguistica, Roma, Carocci, 2003 or successive editions.
- A. THORNTON, Morfologia, Roma, Carocci, 2005 or successive editions.
Part C
- A. FERRARI, Linguistica del testo. Principi, fenomeni, strutture, Roma, Carocci, 2014 or successive editions.
N.B Students of the Course in Liberal Studies in Communication registered in the academic years up to 2018-19 must add to the programme the study of the following book:
- F. Casadei, Lessico e semantica, Roma, Carocci (any edition).
Assessment methods and Criteria
Oral test: The oral test consists of an interview on the topics indicated in the programme, aimed at ascertaining the students' knowledge of the contents of the proposed texts and - for the students attending - of the aspects dealt with during the lessons. In addition to the in-depth knowledge of the contents proposed, the students must demonstrate that they are able to apply the knowledge acquired in order to analyse and interpret the linguistic facts submitted to them in an appropriate manner.
The clarity and punctuality of the answers and the precise and correct use of the specialist vocabulary of the discipline will also contribute to the final evaluation.
At the beginning of the test, all students will be asked to make a phonetic transcription of an Italian word chosen by the teacher, using the international phonetic alphabet, and to describe the sounds that compose it from the point of view of their articulatory features.
Other tasks that may be required of students are the breakdown of a word into morphemes (with the description of the type of morphemes) and the division of a sentence into its immediate constituents.
IMPORTANT: the correct phonetic transcription and phonetic description of the assigned word is a necessary condition (even if not sufficient) to pass the exam. If the student is not able to transcribe the word correctly and/or describe its sounds correctly, their exam will be considered insufficient.
The grade is expressed in thirtieths.
The clarity and punctuality of the answers and the precise and correct use of the specialist vocabulary of the discipline will also contribute to the final evaluation.
At the beginning of the test, all students will be asked to make a phonetic transcription of an Italian word chosen by the teacher, using the international phonetic alphabet, and to describe the sounds that compose it from the point of view of their articulatory features.
Other tasks that may be required of students are the breakdown of a word into morphemes (with the description of the type of morphemes) and the division of a sentence into its immediate constituents.
IMPORTANT: the correct phonetic transcription and phonetic description of the assigned word is a necessary condition (even if not sufficient) to pass the exam. If the student is not able to transcribe the word correctly and/or describe its sounds correctly, their exam will be considered insufficient.
The grade is expressed in thirtieths.
Unita' didattica
L-LIN/01 - HISTORICAL AND GENERAL LINGUISTICS - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica
L-LIN/01 - HISTORICAL AND GENERAL LINGUISTICS - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica
L-LIN/01 - HISTORICAL AND GENERAL LINGUISTICS - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor(s)