Theoretical Linguistics
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course aims at introducing students to General Linguistics, the discipline that studies human language in its extraordinary structural complexity. The course will propose a systematic dissertation of the different levels of the linguistic system (phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax), with a particular emphasis on the history of linguistics and on the systematic and structured variability of languages in context. The analysis of linguistic structures will be further developed in the last part of the course, with a particular emphasis on the genealogic, areal and typological classification of world's languages.
By the end of the course, students will have at disposal the instruments of analysis of language on the different levels of the linguistic system, other than a knowledge of the evolution and the language uses in different contexts. In this respect, the course will strengthen those same basic competences vital to the education of professionals capable at operating in different communicative settings.
By the end of the course, students will have at disposal the instruments of analysis of language on the different levels of the linguistic system, other than a knowledge of the evolution and the language uses in different contexts. In this respect, the course will strengthen those same basic competences vital to the education of professionals capable at operating in different communicative settings.
Expected learning outcomes
The topics addressed in this course aim at equipping the students with systematic knowledges on the structures and the social-historical uses of human language. These knowledges provide the necessary competences for an autonomous and informed analysis of the different aspects of human language.
By the end of the course, it is expected for the students to have acquired the following:
1) Describe the theoretical and methodological foundations for the analysis of human language on the different levels of the linguistic system;
2) Apply the theoretical knowledges also to different and typological distant languages;
3) Discuss of actual case-studies of linguistic variation on different levels of the linguistic system by connecting those case-studies to the acquired theoretical notions.
By the end of the course, it is expected for the students to have acquired the following:
1) Describe the theoretical and methodological foundations for the analysis of human language on the different levels of the linguistic system;
2) Apply the theoretical knowledges also to different and typological distant languages;
3) Discuss of actual case-studies of linguistic variation on different levels of the linguistic system by connecting those case-studies to the acquired theoretical notions.
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 introduces the students to the scientific study of language and its structures, by giving the theoretical knowledges and the methodological instruments to analyse various levels of human languages, with detailed study of linguistic variability according to contexts of use.
Module 1: Linguistics, language and languages
The module introduces the main theoretical notions of Linguistics, with a short overview of this discipline from the 19th century till today. We will also analyse the different languages and the main properties of the language as a system.
Main topics in this module:
- Language and communication;
- Gestures, languages and language learning
- The structure of the linguistic sign;
- Short history of Linguistics
Bibliography (for module 1)
- Arcodia, G.F. & Panunzi, A. (a cura di, 2023) Linguistica. Introduzione alle scienze del linguaggio, Milano: Pearson: chapters 1, 3, 10.
- Graffi, G. (2019 o ed. successive) Breve storia della linguistica, Roma: Carocci, chapters 5, 6 e 7.
Module 2: Phonetics, phonology and sociolinguistics
In this module we will consider the phonetic and phonological dimensions of linguistic sign. The theoretical notions will be applied to the diachronic and synchronic variability of the language, by also introducing the fields of sociolinguistics, sociophonetics and pragmatics.
Main topics in this module:
- Phonetics and phonology
- Phonetic and phonological change
- Sociolinguistics and sociophonetics
- Pragmatics
Bibliography (for module 2):
- Arcodia, G.F. & Panunzi, A. (a cura di, 2023) Linguistica. Introduzione alle scienze del linguaggio, Milano: Pearson: chapters 2, 3, 7, 9 (only 9.8 e 9.9)
- Domaneschi, F. & Bambini, V. (a cura di, 2022) Pragmatica Sperimentale, Bologna: il Mulino, chapters 10-11.
Module 3: Morphology, Syntax and the world's Languages
In this module we will consider the morphological and syntactic dimensions of linguistic sign; we will also introduce the basic elements of lexical and semantic analysis. We will further explore the notions of language change in its diachronic dimension, other than introducing the classification of world's languages according to genealogical, areal and typological aspects.
Main topics in this module:
- Morphology
- Syntax
- Lexicon
- Semantic
- Linguistic typology
Bibliography (for module 3):
- Arcodia, G.F. & Panunzi, A. (a cura di, 2023) Linguistica. Introduzione alle scienze del linguaggio, Milano: Pearson: chapters 4, 5, 6, 8, 9.
- Cardona, G.R. (2006) Introduzione all'etnolinguistica, Torino, Utet, chapters 4, 5, 6, 7 e 8.
- Banfi, E. & Grandi, N. (a cura di, 2022) Le lingue extra-europee: Asia e Africa, Roma Carocci. Students should select a geographic area of interest with the relative chapters, among the following groups:
o North-Africa and Middle East, chapter 13;
o Sub-saharian Africa, chapter 14;
o North and Central Asia, chapters 4, 5 and 6;
o Indian subcontinent, chapters 3 and 8;
o China and Tibetan area, chapters 11 and 12;
o South-East Asia, chapters 9, 10 and 15.
During the different modules various experts in linguistics will teach in guest (optional) classes, in order to offer the students an up-to-date overview of the developments of the discipline and its further perspectives.
The program of the guest classes and the precise structure of the different lessons for each modules will be uploaded on Ariel at the beginning of the course.
Module 1: Linguistics, language and languages
The module introduces the main theoretical notions of Linguistics, with a short overview of this discipline from the 19th century till today. We will also analyse the different languages and the main properties of the language as a system.
Main topics in this module:
- Language and communication;
- Gestures, languages and language learning
- The structure of the linguistic sign;
- Short history of Linguistics
Bibliography (for module 1)
- Arcodia, G.F. & Panunzi, A. (a cura di, 2023) Linguistica. Introduzione alle scienze del linguaggio, Milano: Pearson: chapters 1, 3, 10.
- Graffi, G. (2019 o ed. successive) Breve storia della linguistica, Roma: Carocci, chapters 5, 6 e 7.
Module 2: Phonetics, phonology and sociolinguistics
In this module we will consider the phonetic and phonological dimensions of linguistic sign. The theoretical notions will be applied to the diachronic and synchronic variability of the language, by also introducing the fields of sociolinguistics, sociophonetics and pragmatics.
Main topics in this module:
- Phonetics and phonology
- Phonetic and phonological change
- Sociolinguistics and sociophonetics
- Pragmatics
Bibliography (for module 2):
- Arcodia, G.F. & Panunzi, A. (a cura di, 2023) Linguistica. Introduzione alle scienze del linguaggio, Milano: Pearson: chapters 2, 3, 7, 9 (only 9.8 e 9.9)
- Domaneschi, F. & Bambini, V. (a cura di, 2022) Pragmatica Sperimentale, Bologna: il Mulino, chapters 10-11.
Module 3: Morphology, Syntax and the world's Languages
In this module we will consider the morphological and syntactic dimensions of linguistic sign; we will also introduce the basic elements of lexical and semantic analysis. We will further explore the notions of language change in its diachronic dimension, other than introducing the classification of world's languages according to genealogical, areal and typological aspects.
Main topics in this module:
- Morphology
- Syntax
- Lexicon
- Semantic
- Linguistic typology
Bibliography (for module 3):
- Arcodia, G.F. & Panunzi, A. (a cura di, 2023) Linguistica. Introduzione alle scienze del linguaggio, Milano: Pearson: chapters 4, 5, 6, 8, 9.
- Cardona, G.R. (2006) Introduzione all'etnolinguistica, Torino, Utet, chapters 4, 5, 6, 7 e 8.
- Banfi, E. & Grandi, N. (a cura di, 2022) Le lingue extra-europee: Asia e Africa, Roma Carocci. Students should select a geographic area of interest with the relative chapters, among the following groups:
o North-Africa and Middle East, chapter 13;
o Sub-saharian Africa, chapter 14;
o North and Central Asia, chapters 4, 5 and 6;
o Indian subcontinent, chapters 3 and 8;
o China and Tibetan area, chapters 11 and 12;
o South-East Asia, chapters 9, 10 and 15.
During the different modules various experts in linguistics will teach in guest (optional) classes, in order to offer the students an up-to-date overview of the developments of the discipline and its further perspectives.
The program of the guest classes and the precise structure of the different lessons for each modules will be uploaded on Ariel at the beginning of the course.
Prerequisites for admission
No prerequisites are required for this course.
Teaching methods
The course consists in both lectures (in presence or in live streaming on Teams) and online materials for the asynchronous learning on the student part. These teaching materials on the Ariel platform consist of:
- More examples of application of the notions seen during the lectures, with notes provided by the teacher;
- More exercises than the ones seen during lectures, particularly useful for the preparation of the exam, with their solutions;
- Auto-evaluation tests with automatic correction to allow the student to check his/her learning during the course;
- Supporting material to help in the preparation of the exam (schemes, IPA charts, images).
Students will also find on Ariel:
- The slides projected during the lectures in .pdf;
- Link to extra tests of self-evaluations, exercises and online mini-games created by the professor to enhance the learning experience;
- Suggested extra readings for different topics (not mandatory for the exam);
- Indications of some websites of particular interest for the study of Linguistics (not mandatory for the exam).
Active participation during the course is strongly recommended.
- More examples of application of the notions seen during the lectures, with notes provided by the teacher;
- More exercises than the ones seen during lectures, particularly useful for the preparation of the exam, with their solutions;
- Auto-evaluation tests with automatic correction to allow the student to check his/her learning during the course;
- Supporting material to help in the preparation of the exam (schemes, IPA charts, images).
Students will also find on Ariel:
- The slides projected during the lectures in .pdf;
- Link to extra tests of self-evaluations, exercises and online mini-games created by the professor to enhance the learning experience;
- Suggested extra readings for different topics (not mandatory for the exam);
- Indications of some websites of particular interest for the study of Linguistics (not mandatory for the exam).
Active participation during the course is strongly recommended.
Teaching Resources
Attending students:
- Arcodia, G.F. & Panunzi, A. (a cura di, 2023) Linguistica. Introduzione alle scienze del linguaggio, Milano: Pearson, chapters from 1 to 10 included;
- Graffi, G. Breve storia della linguistica, Roma: Carocci, 2020 or following editions, only chapters 5, 6, and 7;
- Domaneschi, F. & Bambini, V. (a cura di, 2022) Pragmatica Sperimentale, Bologna: il Mulino, chapters 10-11.
- Cardona, G.R. (2006) Introduzione all'etnolinguistica, Torino, Utet, chapters 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8.
- Banfi, E. & Grandi, N. (a cura di, 2022) Le lingue extra-europee: Asia e Africa, Roma Carocci. Students should select a geographic area of interest with the relative chapters, among the following groups:
o North-Africa and Middle East, chapter 13;
o Sub-saharian Africa, chapter 14;
o North and Central Asia, chapters 4, 5 and 6;
o Indian subcontinent, chapters 3 and 8;
o China and Tibetan area, chapters 11 and 12;
o South-East Asia, chapters 9, 10 and 15.
- Slides, lesson notes, exercises and materials on Ariel.
Not attending students:
- Arcodia, G.F. & Panunzi, A. (a cura di, 2023) Linguistica. Introduzione alle scienze del linguaggio, Milano: Pearson, chapters from 1 to 10;
- Graffi, G. Breve storia della linguistica, Roma: Carocci, 2020 or following editions, full book;
- Domaneschi, F. & Bambini, V. (a cura di, 2022) Pragmatica Sperimentale, Bologna: il Mulino, chapters from 6 to 11 included.
- Cardona, G.R. (2006) Introduzione all'etnolinguistica, Torino, Utet, chapters 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8.
- Banfi, E. & Grandi, N. (a cura di, 2022) Le lingue extra-europee: Asia e Africa, Roma Carocci. Students should select a geographic area of interest with the relative chapters, among the following groups:
o North-Africa and Middle East, chapter 13;
o Sub-saharian Africa, chapter 14;
o North and Central Asia, chapters 4, 5 and 6;
o Indian subcontinent, chapters 3 and 8;
o China and Tibetan area, chapters 11 and 12;
o South-East Asia, chapters 9, 10 and 15.
- (for exercises, not mandatory but strongly recommended) Luraghi, S.; Thornton, A.M. Linguistica generale: esercitazioni e autoverifica, Roma: Carocci, 2004 or following editions.
Foreigner students may ask to substitute part of the bibliography with equivalent English text, by contacting the professor via email.
Students with specific learning needs are invited to contact the professor, possibly prior the beginning or the first weeks of lessons. Please, remember to address your email to the dedicated offices (e.g., DSA).
- Arcodia, G.F. & Panunzi, A. (a cura di, 2023) Linguistica. Introduzione alle scienze del linguaggio, Milano: Pearson, chapters from 1 to 10 included;
- Graffi, G. Breve storia della linguistica, Roma: Carocci, 2020 or following editions, only chapters 5, 6, and 7;
- Domaneschi, F. & Bambini, V. (a cura di, 2022) Pragmatica Sperimentale, Bologna: il Mulino, chapters 10-11.
- Cardona, G.R. (2006) Introduzione all'etnolinguistica, Torino, Utet, chapters 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8.
- Banfi, E. & Grandi, N. (a cura di, 2022) Le lingue extra-europee: Asia e Africa, Roma Carocci. Students should select a geographic area of interest with the relative chapters, among the following groups:
o North-Africa and Middle East, chapter 13;
o Sub-saharian Africa, chapter 14;
o North and Central Asia, chapters 4, 5 and 6;
o Indian subcontinent, chapters 3 and 8;
o China and Tibetan area, chapters 11 and 12;
o South-East Asia, chapters 9, 10 and 15.
- Slides, lesson notes, exercises and materials on Ariel.
Not attending students:
- Arcodia, G.F. & Panunzi, A. (a cura di, 2023) Linguistica. Introduzione alle scienze del linguaggio, Milano: Pearson, chapters from 1 to 10;
- Graffi, G. Breve storia della linguistica, Roma: Carocci, 2020 or following editions, full book;
- Domaneschi, F. & Bambini, V. (a cura di, 2022) Pragmatica Sperimentale, Bologna: il Mulino, chapters from 6 to 11 included.
- Cardona, G.R. (2006) Introduzione all'etnolinguistica, Torino, Utet, chapters 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8.
- Banfi, E. & Grandi, N. (a cura di, 2022) Le lingue extra-europee: Asia e Africa, Roma Carocci. Students should select a geographic area of interest with the relative chapters, among the following groups:
o North-Africa and Middle East, chapter 13;
o Sub-saharian Africa, chapter 14;
o North and Central Asia, chapters 4, 5 and 6;
o Indian subcontinent, chapters 3 and 8;
o China and Tibetan area, chapters 11 and 12;
o South-East Asia, chapters 9, 10 and 15.
- (for exercises, not mandatory but strongly recommended) Luraghi, S.; Thornton, A.M. Linguistica generale: esercitazioni e autoverifica, Roma: Carocci, 2004 or following editions.
Foreigner students may ask to substitute part of the bibliography with equivalent English text, by contacting the professor via email.
Students with specific learning needs are invited to contact the professor, possibly prior the beginning or the first weeks of lessons. Please, remember to address your email to the dedicated offices (e.g., DSA).
Assessment methods and Criteria
Final oral test
The final test will consist in a colloquium in which it will verified the reaching of the learning outcomes of the course. In particular, during the colloquium the student will be asked to be able to:
1. Solve some short exercises about the phonetic/phonological, morphological and syntactic analysis on typologically different languages;
2. Define in an accurate way and with the proper technical terminology the theoretical and methodological principles on the different levels of linguistic analysis;
3. Give the adequate exemplification of the theoretical notions seen in class or in the manuals;
4. Critically discuss the examples of application of linguistic analysis to the variability of human language.
WARNING: The correct phonetic transcription and morphemic identification is a necessary condition (even if not sufficient) to continue the exam.
Final evaluation is expressed in thirties.
Every student must take part in the oral test.
Students who have already tried and succeeded in the midterm tests (see below) will not be questioned on the parts already been tested in the midterms (exercises and definitions).
The final score will be calculated as the mean between the score in the midterm tests and the oral exam.
Midterm tests
Only for attending students.
Written tests, 1 for each module. Every test contains 10 questions to verify specific learning outcomes:
- Multiple choice answers and open short answers: definition of theoretical and methodological principles of linguistic analysis;
- Short exercises of analysis on phonetics/phonology, morphology and syntax on typologically different languages.
If a student succeeds in all midterm tests, this score will be mediated with the one obtained at the oral exam. That is, the final evaluation (in thirties) will be calculated as the mean between the midterm tests and the oral exam.
In case of students who have successfully passed midterm tests, the oral exam will focus only on the last two learning outcomes, that is:
- Exemplification of theoretical concepts;
- Critical discussion of the examples of application of linguistic analysis to the variability of human language.
WARNING: It's possible to accept the result of midterm tests only during the Exam session of December and January/February. After that date, student must repeat the whole exam as an oral one.
The final test will consist in a colloquium in which it will verified the reaching of the learning outcomes of the course. In particular, during the colloquium the student will be asked to be able to:
1. Solve some short exercises about the phonetic/phonological, morphological and syntactic analysis on typologically different languages;
2. Define in an accurate way and with the proper technical terminology the theoretical and methodological principles on the different levels of linguistic analysis;
3. Give the adequate exemplification of the theoretical notions seen in class or in the manuals;
4. Critically discuss the examples of application of linguistic analysis to the variability of human language.
WARNING: The correct phonetic transcription and morphemic identification is a necessary condition (even if not sufficient) to continue the exam.
Final evaluation is expressed in thirties.
Every student must take part in the oral test.
Students who have already tried and succeeded in the midterm tests (see below) will not be questioned on the parts already been tested in the midterms (exercises and definitions).
The final score will be calculated as the mean between the score in the midterm tests and the oral exam.
Midterm tests
Only for attending students.
Written tests, 1 for each module. Every test contains 10 questions to verify specific learning outcomes:
- Multiple choice answers and open short answers: definition of theoretical and methodological principles of linguistic analysis;
- Short exercises of analysis on phonetics/phonology, morphology and syntax on typologically different languages.
If a student succeeds in all midterm tests, this score will be mediated with the one obtained at the oral exam. That is, the final evaluation (in thirties) will be calculated as the mean between the midterm tests and the oral exam.
In case of students who have successfully passed midterm tests, the oral exam will focus only on the last two learning outcomes, that is:
- Exemplification of theoretical concepts;
- Critical discussion of the examples of application of linguistic analysis to the variability of human language.
WARNING: It's possible to accept the result of midterm tests only during the Exam session of December and January/February. After that date, student must repeat the whole exam as an oral one.
L-LIN/01 - HISTORICAL AND GENERAL LINGUISTICS - University credits: 9
Lessons: 60 hours
Professor:
Meluzzi Chiara
Educational website(s)
Professor(s)
Reception:
Wed. 9:30 - 12:30 AM (it is suggested to book an appointement by writing an email)
Professor's office (STANZA AP.025, AT_Piano Ammezzato Terra, via Festa del Perdono, 7)