Linguistics SI

Week 1: Introduction

  • Focus on Macro-Linguistics (1st Semester) and Micro-Linguistics (2nd Semester)

  • Broad Aspects of Language: Theories of Language and details of Grammar, Phonetics, Phonology, Morphology, Syntax, Semantics.

  • Phonetics: Study of the sound system at the physical level.

  • Phonology: Rules of larger units of sounds; the abstract aspect (cognitive) of sound systems.

  • Morphology: How words are formed.

  • Syntax: Construction of sentences.

  • Semantics: Meaning of language.

  • Branches of Linguistics: Sociolinguistics, Psycholinguistics, and comparison between traditional and modern linguistics.

  • Theories of Language Acquisition: Behaviorism vs. Mentalism.

  • Criteria for a Second Language: Everyday usage, code-switching, official use, language of instruction.

  • Language enables understanding of social context and cognitive processes in acquiring a language.

Week 2: Definition of Linguistics

  • Linguistics: The scientific study of language, covering spoken, written, or signed forms.

  • Key Issues: Language as a shared code conveying meaning.

  • Mutual Intelligibility: Ability to understand the same code.

  • Language Rules: Naturally acquired for the first language and taught/learned for second languages.

  • Pillars of Structural Linguistics: Phonology, Morphology, Syntax, Semantics, Lexicon.

  • Structuralism vs. Generative Linguistics.

Week 3: Levels of Language Study

  • Dichotomy: Competence (knowledge of language structure) vs. Performance (actual use).

  • Descriptive Linguistics: Studies language use in communities.

  • Prescriptive Linguistics: Dictates how language should be used.

  • Scientific Requirements for Linguistics: Clearly defined subject matter, objectivity, systematic results.

  • Definition of Language: A system of arbitrary vocal symbols for communication.

Week 4: Characteristics of Language

  • Arbitrariness: No direct relationship between signs and meanings; diversity arises.

  • Language as a human phenomenon is unified despite environmental influences.

  • Scientific Method: Empirical, objective observation and experimentation.

Week 5: Types and Scope of Linguistics

  • Types: Structural, Functional, Inter-disciplinary Linguistics.

  • Difference between knowing language vs. knowing a specific language.

  • Scope: Starting with phonetics, followed by phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics.

  • Knowledge of structure does not guarantee effective communication.

  • Functional Linguistics & Pragmatics: Usage of language in social contexts.

Week 6: Key Concepts of Modern Linguistics

  • Comparison: Traditional Grammar vs. Modern Linguistics.

  • Structuralism: Study of language as a structure independent of other languages.

  • Generative Linguistics: Founded by Noam Chomsky, focuses on innate aspects of language.

  • Principles: Structuralism, Descriptivism, priority of spoken language, language equality.

Week 7: Understanding Language

  • Language vs. Non-Human Communication Systems: Distinctions in complexity and social context.

Week 8: Design Features of Human Language

  • Key features: Vocal/Auditory channel, Creativity/Productivity, Displacement, Cultural transmission, Arbitrariness.

  • Notable Aspects: Discreteness and Total feedback in languages.

  • Examines how the relationship between signifiers and signified is arbitrary but leads to nuanced communication.