Theoretical Linguistics
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course is an introduction to the scientific study of human verbal language in its many aspects and articulations. The course provides a systematic treatment of the various levels of articulation of language (phonology, morphology, syntax, lexicon) with a constant focus on the semantic and pragmatic dimensions and the study of linguistic variation in typological perspective.
The aim of the course is to develop students' awareness of the complexity of the architecture of language and to make them acquire a series of basic theoretical and methodological skills which will enable them to better understand the nature of linguistic facts. Students will be able to spend this knowledge in all the work areas connected with the Degree Course in Humanities.
The aim of the course is to develop students' awareness of the complexity of the architecture of language and to make them acquire a series of basic theoretical and methodological skills which will enable them to better understand the nature of linguistic facts. Students will be able to spend this knowledge in all the work areas connected with the Degree Course in Humanities.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course, the student will know the specific characteristics of human verbal language and the methods for its scientific study, its levels of articulation and the main phenomena related to each of them; the student will also have basic knowledge of linguistic typology and will have a good command of the technical vocabulary of linguistics.
The student must also be able to recognise remarkable linguistic facts and phenomena and to give a critical interpretation of them with reference to the categories elaborated by modern linguistic reflection. The student will be able to describe linguistic facts and phenomena using the specific technical terminology of the discipline in the most precise way possible.
With reference to the more technical and methodological aspects, the student must be able to correctly interpret and carry out the phonetic transcriptions according to the conventions of the International Phonetic Association (IPA), to correctly break down words and phrases into their constituent elements and to analyse them properly.
The student must also be able to recognise remarkable linguistic facts and phenomena and to give a critical interpretation of them with reference to the categories elaborated by modern linguistic reflection. The student will be able to describe linguistic facts and phenomena using the specific technical terminology of the discipline in the most precise way possible.
With reference to the more technical and methodological aspects, the student must be able to correctly interpret and carry out the phonetic transcriptions according to the conventions of the International Phonetic Association (IPA), to correctly break down words and phrases into their constituent elements and to analyse them properly.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
A-H
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
The first part of the course (Part A) will cover the main aspects related to the levels of internal articulation of language (with special reference to phonetics and phonology, morphology, syntax); the second part (Part B) will be devoted to an in-depth study of the concept of 'grammatical category,' with the presentation and analysis of the main grammatical categories of Noun and Verb.
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.
4) other materials, if any.
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.
4) other materials, if any.
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
1) ATTENDING STUDENTS
Part A:
- lesson notes
- G. BERRUTO, M. CERRUTI, La linguistica. Un corso introduttivo, Terza Edizione, Torino, UTET Università, 2022, except for Chapter 8 "Cenni di storia della disciplina".
N.B.: students belonging to the curriculum "Scienze dell'Antichità" will replace the handbook by G. Berruto and M. Cerruti with another text to be agreed with the teacher).
Part B:
- lesson notes
- E. BANFI, N. GRANDI, Lingue d'Europa. Elementi di storia e di tipologia linguistica, Roma, Carocci, 2003 (and successive editions).
- G. INGLESE, S. LURAGHI, Le categorie grammaticali, Roma, Carocci, 2023.
2) NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS
Part A:
- G. BERRUTO, M. CERRUTI, La linguistica. Un corso introduttivo, Third Edition, Torino, UTET Università, except for Chapter 8 "Cenni di storia della disciplina".
N.B.: students belonging to the curriculum "Scienze dell'Antichità" will replace the handbook by G. Berruto and M. Cerruti with another text to be agreed with the teacher).
- P. MATURI, I suoni delle lingue, i suoni dell'italiano. Nuova introduzione alla fonetica, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2014 (and successive editions), only chapters 1 and 2.
- A.M. THORNTON, Che cos'è la morfologia, Roma, Carocci, 2023.
Part B:
- E. BANFI, N. GRANDI, Lingue d'Europa. Elementi di storia e di tipologia linguistica, Roma, Carocci, 2003 (and successive editions).
- G. INGLESE, S. LURAGHI, Le categorie grammaticali, Roma, Carocci, 2023.
Part A:
- lesson notes
- G. BERRUTO, M. CERRUTI, La linguistica. Un corso introduttivo, Terza Edizione, Torino, UTET Università, 2022, except for Chapter 8 "Cenni di storia della disciplina".
N.B.: students belonging to the curriculum "Scienze dell'Antichità" will replace the handbook by G. Berruto and M. Cerruti with another text to be agreed with the teacher).
Part B:
- lesson notes
- E. BANFI, N. GRANDI, Lingue d'Europa. Elementi di storia e di tipologia linguistica, Roma, Carocci, 2003 (and successive editions).
- G. INGLESE, S. LURAGHI, Le categorie grammaticali, Roma, Carocci, 2023.
2) NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS
Part A:
- G. BERRUTO, M. CERRUTI, La linguistica. Un corso introduttivo, Third Edition, Torino, UTET Università, except for Chapter 8 "Cenni di storia della disciplina".
N.B.: students belonging to the curriculum "Scienze dell'Antichità" will replace the handbook by G. Berruto and M. Cerruti with another text to be agreed with the teacher).
- P. MATURI, I suoni delle lingue, i suoni dell'italiano. Nuova introduzione alla fonetica, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2014 (and successive editions), only chapters 1 and 2.
- A.M. THORNTON, Che cos'è la morfologia, Roma, Carocci, 2023.
Part B:
- E. BANFI, N. GRANDI, Lingue d'Europa. Elementi di storia e di tipologia linguistica, Roma, Carocci, 2003 (and successive editions).
- G. INGLESE, S. LURAGHI, Le categorie grammaticali, Roma, Carocci, 2023.
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 minimum grade to pass the exam is 18/30.
International or Erasmus incoming students are kindly requested to contact the teacher of the course.
Students with specific learning disabilities should contact the teacher of the course, in order to discuss alternative examination methods, in agreement with the competent Office.
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 minimum grade to pass the exam is 18/30.
International or Erasmus incoming students are kindly requested to contact the teacher of the course.
Students with specific learning disabilities should contact the teacher of the course, in order to discuss alternative examination methods, in agreement with the competent Office.
L-LIN/01 - HISTORICAL AND GENERAL LINGUISTICS - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Dede' Francesco
I-Z
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
The first part of the course (part A) will deal with the main aspects related to the four internal levels of articulation of language (phonetics and phonology, morphology, syntax, vocabulary and semantics); the second part (part B) will focus linguistic typology as a tool to describe in a systematic way the structure differences existing in world's languages.
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 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 relating to phonetic transcription and morphemic breakdown of words.
Attendance at the course is strongly recommended.
Teaching Resources
Bibliography for attending students
Part A:
- G. Berruto, M. Cerruti, La linguistica. Un corso introduttivo, Torino, UTET Università, 2011 (and successive editions).
(students belonging to the curriculum "Scienze dell'Antichità" will replace the handbook of G. Berruto and M. Cerruti with another text to be arranged with professor Scala)
Part B:
- E. Banfi- N. Grandi, Lingue d'Europa. Elementi di storia e di tipologia linguistica, Roma, Carocci, 2003 (and successive editions).
Non attending students will add the following text:
N. Grandi, Fondamenti di tipologia linguistica, Roma, Carocci, 2014 or successive reprints.
This program is valid until February 2026.
Part A:
- G. Berruto, M. Cerruti, La linguistica. Un corso introduttivo, Torino, UTET Università, 2011 (and successive editions).
(students belonging to the curriculum "Scienze dell'Antichità" will replace the handbook of G. Berruto and M. Cerruti with another text to be arranged with professor Scala)
Part B:
- E. Banfi- N. Grandi, Lingue d'Europa. Elementi di storia e di tipologia linguistica, Roma, Carocci, 2003 (and successive editions).
Non attending students will add the following text:
N. Grandi, Fondamenti di tipologia linguistica, Roma, Carocci, 2014 or successive reprints.
This program is valid until February 2026.
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. 18/30 is the minimum grade to pass the exam.
International or Erasmus incoming students are kindly requested to contact the teacher of the course. Also students with disabilities should contact the teacher of the course, in order to discuss alternative examination methods, in agreement with the competent Office.
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. 18/30 is the minimum grade to pass the exam.
International or Erasmus incoming students are kindly requested to contact the teacher of the course. Also students with disabilities should contact the teacher of the course, in order to discuss alternative examination methods, in agreement with the competent Office.
L-LIN/01 - HISTORICAL AND GENERAL LINGUISTICS - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Scala Andrea
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)