LING1112
10 units
1000 level
Course handbook
Description
This unit introduces students to the way languages reflect and shape the societies, cultures and minds of the people who speak them. It introduces the Indigenous languages of Australia and our region, and the language families of the world. It examines the way languages change over time, and what that can tell us about the past. The course investigates how and why languages are alike, and how and why they differ from each other; how meaning is constructed, and how languages are used for effect; and the operation and location of language in the brain. It concludes by examining language endangerment, asking why languages die, and what can be done about it.
Availability2024 Course Timetables
Callaghan
- Semester 2 - 2024
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Identify the Indigenous languages of Australia and the Newcastle region, and the main language families of the world.
2. Apply basic principles of historical reconstruction and typological classification.
3. Identify and classify semantic and pragmatic relations.
4. Describe the main ways in which languages interact with society, culture, and the mind, and the main areas of the brain associated with language.
5. Identify the main causes of language endangerment.
6. Apply your knowledge of the research process to contribute to a research project
Content
Topics to be covered in this course include:
- Indigenous languages of Australia and our region.
- Classifying languages: language families and language types.
- How languages change over time, and reconstructing the past through language.
- Semantics: the meanings of words and the meaning of sentences.
- Pragmatics of language in use.
- Language in society
- Language and culture
- Language in the human mind
- Language in the brain.
- Language endangerment, language documentation, and language revitalization
Requisite
This course replaces LING1120. If you have successfully completed LING1120 you cannot enrol in this course.
Assessment items
Written Assignment: Take Home Assignment 1
Written Assignment: Take Home Assignment 2
Written Assignment: Take Home Assignment 3
Formal Examination: Formal Examination - closed book examination
Participation: Research Participation
Contact hours
Semester 2 - 2024 - Callaghan
Lecture-1
- Face to Face On Campus 2 hour(s) per week(s) for 12 week(s) starting in week 1
Tutorial-1
- Face to Face On Campus 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 11 week(s) starting in week 2
Course outline
Course outline not yet available.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.