Theoretical 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, morpho-syntactical, lexical) structures of individual languages. The course aims at offering a deeper knowledge of the structural features 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. 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 and understanding
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
- present the fundamental elements of linguistic analysis
- identify facts concretely found in specific languages
- present the main hermeneutical approaches and methods of linguistic analysis
- explain in both a synchronic and a diachronic way the function of documents in specific languages
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
- describe the analyzed texts in a metalinguistically correct and appropriate way
- interpret documents in relation to their production contexts and respective functions
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
- present the fundamental elements of linguistic analysis
- identify facts concretely found in specific languages
- present the main hermeneutical approaches and methods of linguistic analysis
- explain in both a synchronic and a diachronic way the function of documents in specific languages
Ability to apply knowledge and understanding
At the end of the course, students will be able to:
- describe the analyzed texts in a metalinguistically correct and appropriate way
- interpret documents in relation to their production contexts and respective functions
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
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
The course will deal with the structures of natural languages: the organs of phonation, the production of phones and phonetic representations (IPA and other phonetic transcription systems) will be dealt with; the definition and organization of phonemes; the articulation of linguistic production into significant units (morphemes) and the formation of words; the identification of the phrases and the formation of the sentence; the relationship between syntax and semantic-pragmatic aspects; the typological classification of languages based on the formation of words and the order of the major constituents of the sentence. Furthermore, it will deal with the variation in terms of diachrony: the beginnings of historical-comparative linguistics and the clues that led to the establishment of relationships between related languages and to the identification of linguistic families; elements of dialectology and sociolinguistics will also be introduced.The course provides for the compulsory acquisition of 9 credits, so students will adhere to the complete program. Anyone intending to take the exam for 6 credits must agree on the program with the course teacher.
Prerequisites for admission
The course is held entirely in Italian. The exam materials and bibliography presuppose grammatical skills that each student possesses in relation to the functioning of their own language, of other languages they have learned, and in the basic linguistic analysis skills acquired in lower study courses.
Teaching methods
The course adopts the following teaching methods: frontal lessons.
Teaching Resources
To start orienting yourself on the topics covered, you can consult the following:
1)G. Graffi-S. Scalise, Le lingue e il linguaggio, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2a edizione (2003) o 3a edizione (2013), capp. 1-10.
2)G.Berruto, Prima lezione di sociolinguistica, Bari/Roma, Laterza, 2004.
3)M. Frascarelli-F.Ramaglia-B.Corpina, Elementi di sintassi, Caissa Italia, 2014.
4)G.Graffi, Breve storia della linguistica, Roma, Carocci, 2019.
5)S.Luraghi, Introduzione alla linguistica storica, Roma, Carocci, 2006.
6) G.Deutscher, La lingua colora il mondo, Torino, Boringhieri, 2016.
1)G. Graffi-S. Scalise, Le lingue e il linguaggio, Bologna, Il Mulino, 2a edizione (2003) o 3a edizione (2013), capp. 1-10.
2)G.Berruto, Prima lezione di sociolinguistica, Bari/Roma, Laterza, 2004.
3)M. Frascarelli-F.Ramaglia-B.Corpina, Elementi di sintassi, Caissa Italia, 2014.
4)G.Graffi, Breve storia della linguistica, Roma, Carocci, 2019.
5)S.Luraghi, Introduzione alla linguistica storica, Roma, Carocci, 2006.
6) G.Deutscher, La lingua colora il mondo, Torino, Boringhieri, 2016.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam consists of an individual interview, which includes questions asked by the teacher and interactions between the teacher and the student. The interview has a variable duration depending on the units, and takes place in Italian. The interview aims to verify knowledge of the topics covered during the course, the ability to identify and analyze the relevant phenomena and the precision in the use of specific terminology. The final mark is expressed in thirtieths, and the student has the right to reject it (in this case it will be recorded as "ritirato"). International or Erasmus incoming students are invited to promptly contact the teacher. The examination procedures for students with disabilities and / or with DSA must be agreed with the teacher, in agreement with the competent Office.
L-LIN/01 - HISTORICAL AND GENERAL LINGUISTICS - University credits: 9
Lessons: 60 hours
Professor:
Vai Massimo
Professor(s)