Linguistics
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course aims at providing a basic training and learning in Linguistics, and it leads to further deepening either in the field of linguistic sciences, or in the reflection about the (phonological, morphosyntactic, lexical) structures of the languages of the world. The course aims at offering a deeper knowledge of the structural features (concerning the different levels of linguistic analysis) and of the main phenomena shown by natural languages, in such a way to observe and to describe them according to a synchronic and a diachronic approach, with regard to the perspectives and the approaches of the historical and comparative (mainly Indo-European), typological, and areal Linguistics. This should be done also taking into consideration the history of linguistic thought and the different theoretical models that have characterized the Western tradition.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge: At the end of the course, the student will be able to identify, describe and explain specific structural features and phenomena specifically exhibited by individual languages, following both a diachronic and synchronic approach, and she/he will have to link them to the general categories and to the topics of linguistic analysis and description, to classify them with regard to the different methods and hermeneutic approaches of linguistic disciplines.
Skills: At the end of the course, the student will be asked, and to describe the topics of the course with an adequate and precise metalanguage, in order to show a basic possession of the methodological instruments and the founding notions of linguistic sciences. The student should be able to identify and to explain clearly the specific empirical phenomena exhibited by the languages with her/his own words and within the theoretical and methodological coordinates suggested by the course.
Skills: At the end of the course, the student will be asked, and to describe the topics of the course with an adequate and precise metalanguage, in order to show a basic possession of the methodological instruments and the founding notions of linguistic sciences. The student should be able to identify and to explain clearly the specific empirical phenomena exhibited by the languages with her/his own words and within the theoretical and methodological coordinates suggested by the course.
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
Group A (A-D)
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
L-LIN/01 - HISTORICAL AND GENERAL LINGUISTICS - University credits: 9
Lessons: 60 hours
Professor:
Scala Andrea
Group B (E-O)
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
L-LIN/01 - HISTORICAL AND GENERAL LINGUISTICS - University credits: 9
Lessons: 60 hours
Group C (P-Z)
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
The course aims to provide a basic learning in Linguistics with regard to the main structural properties (pertaining to phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics) and phenomena of natural languages, proposed and observed according to either a synchronic or a diachronic approach, and to their specific metalanguage. This should be done also taking into consideration the history of Western Linguistics and the different theoretical models that have characterized it, such as historical-comparative paradigm, typological paradigm, and areal approach. The course also deals, for that reason, either with main structures and facts common to the Indo-European linguistic family, and with other fields and topics of historical Linguistics such as linguistic change, linguistic variation, and linguistic contact.
Prerequisites for admission
Prerequisites for admission: none.
Teaching methods
Teaching methods: the course (60 h 9 ECTS) is taught by frontal lessons in Italian (either in presence or online). Teaching materials will be available online on the 2024-2025 myAriel e-learning platform of the course, in order to give the students tools and occasions for a deeper reflection and critical awareness.
Teaching Resources
Bibliography:
Part A:
. G. Berruto - M. Cerruti, La linguistica. "Un corso introduttivo. Terza edizione", Novara, UTET Università, 2022.
. E. Banfi - N. Grandi, "Lingue d'Europa. Elementi di storia e di tipologia linguistica", Roma, Carocci, new edition 2021.
. G. Graffi, "Breve storia della linguistica", Roma, Carocci, 2019, chapters 1, 5-7 (pp. 13-16, 107-230).
Part B:
. G. Berruto - M. Cerruti, "La linguistica. Un corso introduttivo. Terza edizione", Novara, UTET Università, 2022.
. E. Banfi - N. Grandi, "Lingue d'Europa. Elementi di storia e di tipologia linguistica", Roma, Carocci, new edition 2021.
Part C:
. G. Berruto - M. Cerruti, "La linguistica. Un corso introduttivo. Terza edizione", Novara, UTET Università, 2022.
. E. Banfi - N. Grandi, "Lingue d'Europa. Elementi di storia e di tipologia linguistica", Roma, Carocci, new edition 2021.
-To this bibliography, non-attending students will have to add:
. F. Fanciullo, "Introduzione alla linguistica storica. Quarta edizione", Bologna, Il Mulino, 2022.
Validity of the program: February 2026.
Part A:
. G. Berruto - M. Cerruti, La linguistica. "Un corso introduttivo. Terza edizione", Novara, UTET Università, 2022.
. E. Banfi - N. Grandi, "Lingue d'Europa. Elementi di storia e di tipologia linguistica", Roma, Carocci, new edition 2021.
. G. Graffi, "Breve storia della linguistica", Roma, Carocci, 2019, chapters 1, 5-7 (pp. 13-16, 107-230).
Part B:
. G. Berruto - M. Cerruti, "La linguistica. Un corso introduttivo. Terza edizione", Novara, UTET Università, 2022.
. E. Banfi - N. Grandi, "Lingue d'Europa. Elementi di storia e di tipologia linguistica", Roma, Carocci, new edition 2021.
Part C:
. G. Berruto - M. Cerruti, "La linguistica. Un corso introduttivo. Terza edizione", Novara, UTET Università, 2022.
. E. Banfi - N. Grandi, "Lingue d'Europa. Elementi di storia e di tipologia linguistica", Roma, Carocci, new edition 2021.
-To this bibliography, non-attending students will have to add:
. F. Fanciullo, "Introduzione alla linguistica storica. Quarta edizione", Bologna, Il Mulino, 2022.
Validity of the program: February 2026.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Assessments methods and criteria: for both attending students and non attending students the exam involves an oral, individual interview in Italian, in order to verify either learning outcomes concerning the specific topics proposed, or the ability to report them with critical and autonomous awareness, by using a precise and adequate metalanguage.
The course includes tutoring activities.
Attending students must take a written test in progress, during the course, concerning A and B parts of the program and including a phonetic transcription of an Italian word, by using IPA symbols. This written text in progress will be evaluated for the final vote. The final mark of the entire exam will be determined by making a weighted average of the mark obtained in the written test (parts A-B) and in the final interview (part C). Marks are out of 30; minimum passing grade 18/30. If the attending students fail the written test, the final oral exam will concern the whole program of the course (parts A-B-C).
Non attending students will take an oral interview corresponding to the A-B-C parts of the course and including the phonetic transcription of an Italian word, by using IPA symbols.
International or Erasmus incoming students are kindly requested to contact the teacher of the course. Also students with disabilities (SLD) should contact the teacher, in order to discuss alternative examination methods, in agreement with the competent Office.
The course includes tutoring activities.
Attending students must take a written test in progress, during the course, concerning A and B parts of the program and including a phonetic transcription of an Italian word, by using IPA symbols. This written text in progress will be evaluated for the final vote. The final mark of the entire exam will be determined by making a weighted average of the mark obtained in the written test (parts A-B) and in the final interview (part C). Marks are out of 30; minimum passing grade 18/30. If the attending students fail the written test, the final oral exam will concern the whole program of the course (parts A-B-C).
Non attending students will take an oral interview corresponding to the A-B-C parts of the course and including the phonetic transcription of an Italian word, by using IPA symbols.
International or Erasmus incoming students are kindly requested to contact the teacher of the course. Also students with disabilities (SLD) should contact the teacher, in order to discuss alternative examination methods, in agreement with the competent Office.
L-LIN/01 - HISTORICAL AND GENERAL LINGUISTICS - University credits: 9
Lessons: 60 hours
Professor:
Biondi Laura
Professor(s)
Reception:
Tuesday, 9.00-12.00.
Microsoft Teams Platform. Please, contact the teacher via email.