Dr H.J. Koch, BA Wat.Luth., MA Wash., AM PhD Harv.
Senior Lecturer and Head
of Department
Introduction
Linguistics is the study of human language. Linguistics is concerned with analysing and describing the features that are common to all languages as well as determining to what extent languages can differ from one another. Linguists study languages from various points of view: their structure, acquisition, historical evolution, function in society. The different components of language are each the subject of special branches of linguistics: the study of the sounds of language is phonetics and phonology; the study of word structure is morphology; the study of sentence structure is syntax; the study of conversation and texts is discourse analysis; and the study of meaning is semantics.
In Applied Linguistics people investigate how an understanding of language can be put to use in a variety of fields including first and second language acquisition and child language development, second language teaching, literacy, language and classroom education across the curriculum, the use of language in university academic contexts, language and the law, speech pathology, translation and advertising. Applied Linguistics is a useful major for people majoring in a foreign language.
Of the units taught by the Department, some are devoted to the theory and methods of describing the components of language. Others deal with applied issues such as cross-cultural communication, language teaching methods, language planning, dictionary- making. Still others are concerned with particular languages or language families.
In all units taught in the Department, emphasis is placed on teaching students how to think and reason, and on sharpening their linguistic intuitions, rather than on the brute learning of facts. They are exposed to data from a wide variety of languages and may do detailed work on a number of different languages and language families. Thorough training is given in linguistic theory and its application to a variety of empirical problems. Attention is also directed to research methods, the application of linguistics to language teaching, language planning and sociolinguistic issues.
As a service to the university as a whole the Linguistics Department offers two first-year units, English in Academic Contexts and Advanced English in Academic Contexts. These units may not be included in a Linguistics departmental major.
Units offered in 1999 subject to student demand and availability of lecturers
|
First Semester |
Second Semester |
|
First year |
|
|
English in Academic Contexts ACEN1001 |
Advanced English in Academic Contexts |
|
Later year |
|
|
Introduction to the Study of Language (L) |
Language and Culture LANG2015 |
|
Fourth year |
|
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Linguistics IV |
|
The Major
A departmental major in Linguistics consists of units to the value of 44 credit points selected from any units offered by the Linguistics Department except ACEN1001 English in Academic Contexts and ACEN1002 Advanced English in Academic Contexts, and must include Introduction to Syntax (LING 2003) and Phonetics and Phonology (LING 1004 or 2004). It may also include the following:
Psycholinguistics LANG2102
Second Language Acquisition LANG2101 offered
by the Department of Modern European Languages
Language in Asia ALIN1001
Japanese Lexicon JAPS2009
Japanese Linguistics
JAPS2007
Japanese Phonetics and Phonology JAPS2019 offered by the Japan
Centre, Faculty of Asian Studies
Comparative-Historical Tai Linguistics SEAT2107
Seminar on Thai Linguistics
SEAT2106 offered by the Southeast Asia Centre, Faculty of Asian Studies
Students
majoring in linguistics are strongly encouraged to study a foreign language
as well.
Programs: The following programs include units in linguistics
Aboriginal Studies
Applied Linguistics
Communication and Cognitive Studies
In the first year of study a student will normally take Introduction to the Study of Language, followed by one of Language and Society, Phonetics and Phonology or Structure of English; in second and third years, any of the remaining later-year units, subject to satisfying the prerequisites set out below for each unit. It will be seen that students are given a wide range of choice in building up a major in linguistics that can satisfy their special interests and interrelate with the units they are taking in other departments.
At the end of first semester, first-year students consider their choice of units for second semester. The Department will be glad to discuss with students which second semester unit will be most appropriate, taking account of the majors intended, the topics that have interested them most and their performance in Introduction to the Study of Language.
Note: Introduction to the Study of Language is offered both at first-year level (LING1001) and at later-year level (LING2001); the same applies to Language and Society (LING1002 and LING2002); to Phonetics and Phonology (LING1004 and LING2004); to Structure of English (LENG1020 and LENG2020); and to Cross-cultural Communication (LING1021 and LING2021). Since only 12 first-year credit points may be included in a major, students who have done two of the above units at first-year level should take the others at later-year (L) level, eg LING1001 and LING1002 should be followed by LING2004 (not LING1004), and LING1001 and LING1004 should be followed by LING2002 (not LING1002).
Notes on assessment
Apart from first-year units, most Linguistics units do not have a formal examination. All units involve a substantial amount of continuous assessment, in the form of problems, essays, quizzes, reports, and practical assignments, according to the nature of the subject matter. The assessment of some units includes a take-home exam. The Department reserves the right to apply a penalty to the final mark of students who do not submit enough work during the term. For all units, the assessment is finalised only after consultation with the class.
FIRST-YEAR UNITS
FIRST SEMESTER
Introduction to the Study of Language LING1001
(6cp)
First semester
Two lectures and one tutorial each week
Lecturer: Dr Rose
Syllabus: An introduction to the general study of language, the methodology of linguistics, and the formulation of generalisations which cover all human languages. Attention is paid to the recognition of significant problems, and the critical assessment of competing solutions to them.
Topics covered include: The nature of human language. The structures of the sound (phonetic) and meaning (semantic) aspects of language, and their interrelations. Morphology and syntax. How a language changes. Universal semantic classes. General concepts will be illustrated as much as possible using languages taught at the ANU.
This unit may be included in an Applied Linguistics or Communication and Cognitive Studies program, or in a Japanese Linguistics major.
Cross-cultural Communication LING1021
(6cp)
First semester
Two lectures and one tutorial each week
Lecturer: TBA
Syllabus: Are there universal human concepts? Are there universal human values? Are there universal human emotions?
The human face: different psychological approaches to emotion (from Darwin to Ekman). Key words and core cultural values. Different cultural attitudes to emotion. Different styles of social interaction.
Doing things with words ¾ different speech acts and different interpersonal meanings (eg threats, promises, compliments, curses, swearing, gossip). Are there universal human speech acts? The logic of conversation ¾ are there universal principles of human conversation?
Names and titles ¾ their meanings and roles in different languages and different cultures.
Talking to: migrants, foreigners; Aborigines. The double life of a bilingual.
Selected cultural profiles: Anglo-American; Anglo- Australian; Black American; Australian Aboriginal; Japanese; Javanese; Malay; Russian; Polish; Italian; Spanish; Jewish.
Preliminary reading
There will be a packet of photocopied readings available from the department.
This unit is a recommended component of the Communication and Cognitive Studies program major, and may be included in an Applied Linguistics program major.
SECOND SEMESTER
Language and Society LING1002
(6cp)
Second semester
Two lectures and one tutorial a week
Lecturer: Dr Koch
Prerequisite: There is no prerequisite (although students are advised to take Introduction to the Study of Language or Cross-cultural Communication first).
Syllabus: Study of how the language of a society may be non-uniform, with different varieties (dialects) according to geographical regions but principally according to social parameters such as age, gender, class, occupation, ethnicity. Study of how language can be actively varied by speakers according to social contexts, to express deference, solidarity, identity, etc. Study of the role and use of different languages in multilingual societies. Changes in the social dimension of language use: expansion and contraction of languages over populations (language shift and loss), mutual influence between languages (borrowing and diffusion), convergence and divergence of languages (koineisation, pidginisation). What language can tell us about social structure. Methods of analysing linguistic variation.
Preliminary reading
This unit may be included in an Applied Linguistics Studies program major.
Phonetics and Phonology LING1004
(6cp)
Second semester
Two hours of lectures and two practical classes a week
Lecturer: Dr Rose
Prerequisite: None (although students are advised to take Introduction to the Study of Language first).
This unit teaches how the sounds of language are produced, transmitted acoustically, and perceived. Students learn how to produce and transcribe a large number of the speech sounds of the world’s languages, and how to transcribe and analyse them.
Syllabus: The speech chain, vocal tract anatomy, phonation, initiation, articulation, vowels, consonants, tones, intonation. Phonemics: phonemes, phonotactics, distinctive features. Acoustic and perceptual phonetics. Forensic Phonetics.
Lectures will be supplemented by practical classes, involving the production and recognition of a wide variety of speech sounds from European and Asian languages.
This unit (or LING2004) is required in the departmental major.
This unit may be included in an Applied Linguistics program, or a Japanese Linguistics major.
Preliminary reading
Structure of English LENG1020
(6cp)
Second semester
Two lectures and one tutorial a week
Lecturer: Dr Allen
Prerequisite: Introduction to the Study of Language, or Introduction to English Literature, or Traditional Grammar (unit offered by the Department of Classical and Modern European Languages).
Syllabus: This unit investigates the elements which comprise English, and how they are organised. The emphasis will be on grammar (syntax and morphology), although we will also explore some of the connections between grammar and semantics. In the first and larger part of the course, students will be introduced to the grammar of Modern English. The structural characteristics of English will be compared with those of other languages. The last third of the course will deal with variation in English, including historical, regional, social and stylistic variation.
This unit may be included in either a Linguistics major or an English major or an Applied Linguistics program major.
LATER YEAR UNITS
UNITS OFFERED IN FIRST SEMESTER
Introduction to the Study of Language (L) LING2001
(8cp)
First semester
Two lectures and one tutorial a week
Lecturer: Dr Rose
Prerequisite: Completion of first year in any language (Asian or European, modern or classical), sociology, anthropology, prehistory, English, philosophy, psychology, computer science (students who have completed other first-year units may be admitted to this unit at the discretion of the Head of Department).
Note: First-year students will normally take LING1001, later-year students LING2001.
Syllabus: This unit covers the same topics as Introduction to the Study of Language, but adopts a more theoretical stance, requires more reading, and additional assignments.
This unit may be included in an Applied Linguistics or Communication and Cognitive Studies program, or in a Japanese Linguistics major.
Introduction to Syntax LING2003
(8cp)
First semester
Three lectures and one tutorial a week
Lecturer: Dr Andrews
Prerequisite: Introduction to the Study of Language (LING1001/2001), or with the permission of the lecturer, Structure of English.
Syllabus: A study of the syntactic structures found in the world’s languages, with emphasis being placed on the semantic notions that are given grammatical expression. The unit will explore the structure of a variety of languages of differing types. Topics discussed will include syntactic word class (parts of speech); grammatical categories; the semantic structure of propositions; grammatical relations; problems of reference; word order; constituent structure; relations between sentences ¾ transformations; subordination and coordination.
This unit is required in the departmental major
This unit may be included in the Applied Linguistics or Communication and Cognitive Studies program majors, or in a Japanese Linguistics major.
Historical and Comparative Linguistics LING2005
(8cp)
First semester
Three hours of lectures and one tutorial each week
Lecturer: Dr Allen.
Prerequisites: Introduction to the Study of Language and Phonetics and Phonology.
Syllabus: An examination of the ways in which, and the reasons why, languages change. Types of sound change; morphological and syntactic change. Semantic shift. Methods of linguistic reconstruction. Diffusion versus genetic relationship. Cultural inferences from linguistic reconstruction.
Field Methods LING2009
(8cp)
Not offered in 1999. May be offered in 2000.
Three hours of classroom time
a week
Prerequisites: Introduction to Syntax, Phonetics and Phonology, Morphology
Syllabus: Students work with a native speaker of a previously undescribed language, writing papers on some aspect of the grammar or phonology of the language. Instruction in the methodology of field work and ethical considerations.
Language in Aboriginal Australia LING2016
(8cp)
First semester
Lecturer: Dr Koch
Two lectures and one tutorial a week
Prerequisite: Introduction to the Study of Language (LING1001/2001) and one other Linguistics unit or Introduction to Anthropology, or Introduction to Archaeology or Introduction to World Prehistory, or Introduction to Sociology, or any first-year History unit. Students who have not completed Introduction to the Study of Language will be offered an additional weekly tutorial during the first part of the unit, to introduce them to relevant general linguistic ideas.
Syllabus: History of opinions and research on Australian languages; language and local group; genetic and areal relations between languages; basic structural features (including learning some of a selected language); vocabulary and semantic structure, especially kinship; speech use and etiquette; specialised codes: sign language, respect language, song language; impact of English on traditional languages; loanwords, language reduction and shift; pidgins, creoles, and Aboriginal English; language and education: language planning, bilingual education; language and the law.
This unit may be included in an Aboriginal Studies or Applied Linguistics program major.
Chinese Linguistics LING2017
(8cp)
First semester
Three lectures and one tutorial a week
Lecturer: Dr Rose
Prerequisites: Introduction to the Study of Language and normally Phonetics and Phonology, Introduction to Syntax; some knowledge of Chinese is desirable but not essential. This unit is for second and third-year students (first-year students may enrol only with special permission from the Head, Department of Linguistics, and the Head, China Centre).
This unit gives an introduction to linguistically interesting aspects ¾ both historical and modern ¾ of Modern Standard Chinese and Chinese Dialects.
The unit will be of particular interest to students who wish to learn more about how the Chinese language is structured and functions, and especially to those who wish to teach English to Chinese speakers, and Chinese to English speakers. It will also be of value to students of Chinese societies in general.
Syllabus:
1. Structure of Modern Standard Chinese: Phonology (Sounds), Morphology (Word Structure), Syntax (Sentence Structure), Semantics (Meanings).
2. Modern Dialectology: Main linguistic characteristics of four major groups (Mandarin, Wu, Min, Yue).
3. Historical Linguistics: Genetic affiliation. Reconstruction from the modern dialects. Ancient Chinese (Traditional yinyunxue: Rhyme books and tables). Archaic Chinese. The writing system. Ancient Mandarin. Historical lexicon and syntax. 4. Sociolinguistics: Relationship between MSC and dialects (ranges and correlates of individuals’ variation: phonological and lexical variables). Other standard varieties (Taiwan, Singapore).
This unit may be included in an Applied Linguistics program major.
Cross-cultural Communication (L) LING2021
(8cp)
First semester
Two lectures and one tutorial each week
Lecturer: TBA
Prerequisite: Completion of first year in anthropology, philosophy, psychology, sociology, history, prehistory, computer science, English or any language (Asian or European, modern or classical). (Students who have completed other first-year units may be admitted to this unit at the discretion of the lecturer.)
Note: First-year students will normally take LING1021, later-year students LING2021.
Syllabus: This unit covers the same topics as Cross-cultural Communication (LING1021), but adopts a more theoretical stance, requires more reading, and additional assignments.
Preliminary reading
This unit is a recommended component of the Communication and Cognitive Studies program major and may be included in an Applied Linguistics program major, or as a cognate unit for honours preparation in Drama.
Theory and Principles of TESOL LING2024
(8cp)
First semester
Three hours of classes per week
Lecturer: Subject to availability of lecturer
Prerequisites: Introduction to the Study of Language (LING 1001) plus either at least 3 further units of linguistics or 4 units of a European or Asian language or permission of the Head of Department.
Syllabus: The main aim of this unit is to introduce and examine the major theoretical and pedagogical issues facing the teacher of English to speakers of other languages. These issues include the following: theories of second language acquisition; views of learner language and interlanguage; the nature of English phonology, syntax and semantics; ESL/EFL methodology; history, principles, approaches and evaluation; the pragmatics of spoken English; cross-cultural issues in language learning/teaching; learner-centred approaches to teaching: current views and methodologies; approaches and methods in teaching grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation; approaches to teaching reading and writing skills: concepts of discourse, coherence, cohesion and schema; the demographics of ESL/EFL learners; ESL/EFL planning and policies; learner styles and strategies.
In addition to the three class hours per week, course participants will be expected to spend time in actively teaching a learner or learners of English OR assessing the teaching of a language by becoming a student of a language they do not know and have not studied before.
Proposed assessment: Regular class assignments, a project, and an essay of 1500 words.
Preliminary reading
This unit may be included in an Applied Linguistics program major.
Phonological Theory LING3002
(8cp)
First semester
Two to three hours a week
Lecturer: TBA
Prerequisites: Phonetics and Phonology; Morphology
This unit develops practical ability in phonological analysis (the analysis of the way sounds function in Language) It introduces methods and assumptions of different important approaches to phonological analysis. It provides some historical perspective on developments in modern phonological theory, from Phonemics to Optimality Theory.
Syllabus. Classical (‘Structural’) Phonemics. Orthodox Generative Phonology. Features (JFH, SPE, Halle-Stevens). Non-linear approaches:
Prosodic (i.e. Firthian) Phonology; Autosegmental Phonology; Metrical Phonology. Lexical Phonology & Underspecification. Optimality theory.
Laboratory Phonology. Relationship between Phonetics and Phonology.
Discourse Analysis LING3011
(8cp)
First semester
Two lectures and one tutorial/practical session per week
Coordinator: Dr Liddicoat
Prerequisites: Introduction to Syntax
Syllabus: Students will be introduced to theoretical issues in the analysis of language in use and also examine the ways in which talk is organised around particular types of speech events. The unit will focus on the ways in which talk is structured to allow participants to communicate meaning in conversational interactions and the ways in which talk varies in different settings. The unit will also examine written discourse and the ways in which spoken language differs from written language. Practical sessions will familiarise students with the practice and conventions used in the transcription of discourse and the analysis of speech samples.
Proposed assessment: Transcription assignments and an essay.
This unit may be included in an Applied Linguistics program major.
Children’s Language Acquisition LING3021
(8cp)
First semester
Two lectures and one tutorial a week
Lecturer: Dr Liddicoat
Prerequisite: Introduction to Syntax
Syllabus: This unit gives a survey of some of the central themes in children’s language acquisition. The unit will examine both the ways in which children acquire language and the ways in which they use language to communicate. The unit will also consider the development of literacy skills. Emphasis will be placed on what children’s acquisition reveals about the nature of human language and how language is used as part of social development.
This unit may be included in an Applied Linguistics program major.
UNITS OFFERED IN SECOND SEMESTER
Language and Culture LANG2015
(8cp)
Second semester
Three classes per week
Lecturer: Professor Wierzbicka
This unit is offered as both Linguistics and Anthropology unit . It may be included in either major. It may be included as part of a program major in Communication and Cognitive Studies or Applied Linguistics.
Prerequisites: Open to students who will normally be expected to have completed either Cross-Cultural Communication (LING1001) or Introduction to the Study of Language (LING1001) and first year units in Anthropology. This unit is intended for students interested in both language and culture. It focusses on problems common to linguistics and anthropology and combines insights from both these disciplines.
Syllabus: Topics discussed will include the following: Soul, mind and heart: ethno-theories of person; Fate and destiny: ethno-theories of human life; Emotions across cultures; “Friends” and “mates”: patterns of friendship across cultures; Folk taxonomies and the principles of human categorisation; Conceptualisation of colours in different cultures; Universals of time and universals of space; “Ethnosyntax”: links between culture and grammar.
Prescribed reading
Structure of English (L) LENG2020
(8cp)
Second semester
Two lectures and one tutorial a week
Lecturer: Dr Allen
Prerequisite: At least 12 credit points of English or Linguistics, or Traditional Grammar and one unit of Latin or Greek (from the Classics Dept). Students in their second or third year of university study will normally take LENG2020; first-year students will normally take LENG1020. LENG2020 has the same lectures as 1020 but different tutorials; it involves a larger work load and adopts a more theoretical stance.
Syllabus: As for Structure of English (LENG1020).
This unit may be included in either a Linguistics major or an English major or an Applied Linguistics program major.
Language and Society (L) LING2002
(8cp)
Second semester
Two lectures and one tutorial a week
Lecturer: Dr Koch
Prerequisite: Introduction to the Study of Language or approved Sociology unit(s). Students in their second or third year of university study will normally take LING2002; first-year students will normally take LING1002. LING2002 involves more reading and written work than LING1002.
Syllabus: As for Language and Society (LING1002).
This unit may be included in an Applied Linguistics program major.
Phonetics and Phonology (L) LING2004
(8cp)
Second semester
Two hours of lectures and two practical classes a week
Lecturer: Dr Rose
Prerequisites: Normally only open to second and third-year students who have successfully completed Introduction to the Study of Language. First-year students are advised to take Phonetics and Phonology (LING1004).
Syllabus: As for LING1004. LING2004 adopts a more theoretical stance than 1004 and involves additional assignments.
This unit (or LING1004) is required in the departmental major.
This unit may be included in an Applied Linguistics program or as a cognate unit for honours preparation in Drama.
Morphology LING2007
(8cp)
Second semester
Three classes per week
Lecturer: Dr Andrews
Prerequisites: Phonetics and Phonology; Introduction to Syntax is a corequisite.
Syllabus: Morphology is the study of how complex words are put together. The course surveys the main concepts and methods used for the analysis of word-structure, both traditional and modern, with examples drawn from English and many other languages. There is a major emphasis on doing problems to develop skills in describing and analysing data from a wide range of languages.
Assessment: Analytical assignments and essay.
Semantics LING2008
(8cp)
Second semester
Three classes per week
Lecturer: TBA
Prerequisites: Introduction to the Study of Language.
Syllabus: This course is devoted to meaning, in all its aspects. Topics discussed will cover some abstract domains (including some important philosophical, ethical, religious, political, social and legal concepts) and concrete vocabulary (the human body, names of animals, artifacts). Special attention will be given to the principles of human categorisation, the role of prototypes in human thought, the search for conceptual universals, speech acts and speech genres, metaphor, and emotion in language. Different perspectives on the study of meaning will be considered and discussed.
This unit is required for Honours in Linguistics. It may be included in a Communication and Cognitive Studies or Applied Linguistics program major.
Prescribed textbook
Romance Linguistics LING2011
(8cp)
Second semester
Three lectures a week
Lecturer: Dr Liddicoat
Prerequisites: Introduction to the Study of Language, Phonetics and Phonology are recommended to be taken before or concurrently with this unit. Some competence in a Romance language ¾ French, Italian or Spanish ¾ is required; however, students who gained a good knowledge of one of these languages at high school may be admitted to the unit, at the discretion of the Head of Department. Some knowledge of Latin is useful, but not essential.
Syllabus: This course will give a survey of the major Romance languages (Spanish, French, Italian, Romanian). This will be supported by a less systematic study of the other Romance languages where these show important differences from the major languages or where they give insight into the systems of the major languages. The course will be taught primarily using a synchronic typological approach, but with reference to historical development.
This unit may be included in an Applied Linguistics program major.
Advanced Phonetics LING3005
(8cp)
Second semester
Three lectures and one practical a week
Lecturer: Dr Rose
Prerequisite: Phonetics and Phonology
Advanced Phonetics teaches the knowledge and practical expertise necessary to enable students to: Investigate the physical aspects of speech with digital instruments; Interpret the results; Assess both the Linguistic Phonetic and Forensic Phonetic significance of their findings.
Syllabus: Basic Acoustics. Acoustic Theory of Speech Production (Source-Filter Theory). Digital speech analysis. Statistics. Production, Acoustics and Perception of Vowels, Consonants, Tones, Intonation. Between-speaker and within-speaker variation and its Forensic Applications.
Lectures will be supplemented by laboratory work, with students being trained in digital instrumental techniques.
Study of a Language Family LING3008
(8cp)
May be offered in 1999 subject to student demand
Two to three lectures per
week
Coordinator: Dr Ross
Prerequisite: Historical and Comparative Linguistics (LING2005) and Introduction to Syntax (LING2003)
Syllabus: Comparative study of a selected language family (to vary each year): features of the grammar of selected languages of the family; comparative phonology, morphology, syntax, vocabulary; reconstruction of aspects of the proto-language; subgrouping; language change and cultural history. Some of the language families to be included are: Australian, Austronesian, Indo-European, Sino- Tibetan. Recent developments and current issues in the historical study of the language family. Methodological issues in describing language change, establishing genetic relation, and reconstructing language prehistory.
Aim: The unit will serve both to initiate students into the descriptive and comparative study of a particular language family and to consolidate and advance their understanding of the principles of language change and the practice of linguistic reconstruction.
Preliminary reading (relevant to all language families)
Proposed assessment: By a combination of written assigments, reports, and essays.
Research Methods in Applied Linguistics LING3009
(8cp)
Second semester
Two lectures and one tutorial/practical per week
Lecturer: Dr Liddicoat
Prerequisites: 4 units of linguistics or permission of the head of department
Syllabus: This is an introductory subject designed to enable students to acquire the basic skills necessary for carrying out empirical research in applied linguistics. Issues covered will include establishing samples, collecting, describing and interpreting data, reporting research findings. The emphasis will be on the conceptual aspects of such procedures, rather than on mechanical arithmetic aspects. The course will focus on quantitative methods but qualitative approaches to research will also be discussed. Students will be given practical experience in the use of computers for data analysis.
Proposed assessment: regular assignments; a research proposal and a 3000-4000 word research report.
This unit may be included in an Applied Linguistics program major.
Seminar on Semantics LING3022
(8 cp)
Second semester
Note: This unit will be offered in 1999 but probably not
in 2000
Two hours a week
Lecturer: Professor Wierzbicka
Prerequisite: Semantics (LING2008), or equivalent
This course is intended for students who, having done an introductory course in semantics (our LING2008 or equivalent course elsewhere), would like to study semantics on a more advanced level. Meaning is central to language and communication. This course will equip students to deal with meaning effectively in any area they may be particularly interested in ¾ for example, in the teaching of English and other languages, in translation, in cross cultural communication, in ethics or in law; as well as the description and comparison of languages.
Prescribed reading
Seminar on Typology LING3023
(8cp)
Second semester
Two hours a week
Lecturer: Professor Hans-Jurgen Sasse
Syllabus: Polysynthetic languages
Seminar on Historical and Comparative Linguistics LING3027
(8cp)
First semester
Two hours per week
Coordinator: Dr Koch
Prerequisite: Historical and Comparative Linguistics LING2005
Syllabus: Each year that it is offered the unit would involve a number of different staff members and cover a number of different topics. Topics will be selected from the following: Theoretical issues in language change: Regularity in sound change, the neo- grammarian hypothesis confronted with modern detailed studies of change in progress, the lexical diffusion model; Explaining syntactic change; Grammaticalisation; Approaches to semantic change; Effects of linguistic contact; Models for representing language relationship and change; dialect mapping and isoglosses; Stammbaum (family tree); lexicostatistical models; Methodological issues in language reconstruction; Bases for establishing genetic relations: percentage of shared vocabulary, phonological corespondences, vs. shared morpho-logical idiosyncrases; Establishing distant genetic relations: evidence vs. change ; examination of some controversial claims; Criteria for and practical issues in subgrouping; principles for reconstructing morphology; principles for reconstructing semantics (Evans); methods for diagnosing prehistoric language contact; role of typology in reconstruction.
Proposed assessment: By a combination of written reports and essays.
Preliminary reading
Units not offered in 1999 but which may be offered in later years
Generative Grammar LING2006
(8cp)
Second semester
Three lectures and one tutorial a week
Lecturer: Not offered in 1999
Prerequisites: Introduction to the Study of Language and a grade of Credit in Introduction to Syntax.
Syllabus: Generative grammar is the use of ‘formal’ methods of linguistic analysis to explore language structure and typology, and is becoming increasingly important for helping computers interact with people. In this course we introduce the basic ideas of generative grammar, and present some of the significant results, such as the discovery of ‘non-nominative subjects’. The course will concentrate on the ‘Lexical-Functional’ theory, which provides straightforward accounts of many important types of grammatical patterns, and is also amenable for practical applications.
This unit may be included in the Communication and Cognitive Studies program major.
Structure of an Australian Language LING2012
(8cp)
Not offered in 1999
Three lectures a week
Prerequisites: Introduction to Syntax. Phonetics and Phonology is recommended.
Syllabus: Study of the structure of a selected Aboriginal Australian language, and its typological and genetic relation to the other languages of the continent. Lectures on grammatical and phonological features of the language will be complemented by the study of texts, attention being paid to the ways in which meanings are encoded, and to the social role of the language.
This unit may be included in an Aboriginal Studies program major.
Teaching Languages LING2013
(8cp)
Not taught in 1999
Second semester
Three hours of classes a week
Prerequisites: Introduction to the Study of Language and any one other semester unit in Linguistics. This unit is only normally open to second or third-year students who are taking a major in a European, classical or Asian language.
Syllabus: The main aim of this unit is to introduce prospective language teachers to some of the major problems they must be aware of in order to use a professional approach in their work. This unit outlines the process of acquiring second languages; it summarises the various aspects of language in usage not only from a linguistic but also from a psychological and socio-cultural point of view; it surveys the different schools of thought on language teaching and introduces students to methods of writing and adapting language teaching materials. Emphasis will be laid on the teaching and learning both of languages which are related to English, such as some major European languages, and of those which are not related, such as some major Asian languages.
This unit may be included in an Applied Linguistics program major.
Language Planning and Language Politics LING2022
(8cp)
Not taught in 1999
Two lectures and one tutorial per week
Prerequisite: Units to the value of at least 12 credit points in Political Science, Sociology, Anthropology, Linguistics or Development Studies.
Syllabus: This unit will focus on the role of language in the public life of nations, and the making of policy in regard to language. Language problems of both developed nations and developing countries will be considered. Issues discussed will include: multilingualism in society, language and ethnicity, language and nationalism, the linguistic effects of colonialism, language and national development, the choice of languages for official and educational purposes, standardisation of language, the choice of writing systems, development of language to fulfil new public roles, policies regarding minority languages.
This unit may be included in an Applied Linguistics program major.
Dictionaries and Dictionary-making LING2023
(8cp)
Not offered in 1999. May be offered in 2000
Two lectures and one tutorial/practical
per week
Coordinator: Professor Pawley
Prerequisites: Two Linguistics units, which should include Semantics, or permission of the Head of Department.
Syllabus: Types of dictionaries and their purposes. Issues in the creation and organisation of monolingual and bilingual dictionaries. How dictionary entries (especially definitions) should be structured. How new technologies affect the compilation, form, and use of dictionaries. What is a lexical item? ¾ the conflicting views of lexicographers and linguists. The relation between lexicon and grammar. The study of particular semantic fields. Students will be given practical experience with computerised dictionary files.
Assessment: By practical assignments and written essay (drawing on the files of the Australian National Dictionary Centre). Details to be confirmed after consultation with students.
This unit may be included in an Applied Linguistics program major.
Advanced Syntax LING3001
(8cp)
Not offered in 1999
Two to three hours a week
Lecturer: Professor Wierzbicka
Prerequisites: Introduction to Syntax.
Syllabus: This unit is particularly designed for students interested in language description. It gives students an exposure to a wide range of grammatical construction types from the languages of the world, and to various approaches to their description and analysis.
Critical Survey of Linguistic Theories LING3006
(8cp)
Not offered in 1999
Two hours a week (reading unit)
Prerequisites: Introduction to Syntax, Phonetics and Phonology
Syllabus: Topics will be chosen from the whole span of linguistics, in time and place: linguistics in Ancient India; origins of the western tradition in Greece and Rome; the Neogrammarian tradition; Saussure; the Prague School; the Boas-Sapir and Bloomfieldian traditions; etc.
Readings in Grammatical Theory LING3024
(8cp)
Not offered in 1999
One to two hours of tutorials per week
Lecturer: Dr Andrews
Prerequisites: Permission of the lecturer
Syllabus: Reading and discussion of advanced books and papers from the current literature on selected topics in grammatical theory. Topic to vary each year.
Assessment: By essays and written reports.
Special Topics in Linguistics LING3025
(8cp)
Available on an occasional basis
Coordinator: Head of department
Prerequisite: Approval of the head of department
Syllabus: Intensive study of one or more topics in linguistics, through a combination of lectures, prescribed readings, and written analysis. The topics may be studied in conjunction with the biennial Australian Linguistic Institute organised by the Australian Linguistic Society.
Assessment: By written reports/analyses and essays.
Ethnography of Communication LING3026
(8cp)
Not offered in 1999. Offering dependent on staff availability.
Two lectures
per week
Prerequisites: 2 units of Linguistics and/or Anthropology
Syllabus: An introduction to the ethnography of communication, which is the study of patterns of language use and communicative interaction, and of their relationships to other aspects of the socio-cultural contexts in which the communication takes place. The unit is taught by a team of lecturers, the first of whom provides a general introduction to the field, and the rest of whom deal with case studies, either from a particular area of the world, or as instances of a particular theoretical approach or research method.
Assessment: Short reports and two 2500-3000 word essays.
Preliminary reading
The Degree with Honours
Intending honours students should first read the general statement ‘The Degree with Honours’ in the introductory section of the Faculty of Arts entry.
Students are formally admitted into Honours in Linguistics only in the fourth year. Intending honours students, however, should plan the second and third years of their course carefully so as to qualify for admission to fourth-year honours. The prerequisites for entry to fourth-year honours are set out below.
While the Linguistics Department cannot prescribe what a student’s second major may be, we consider the following to be especially compatible with linguistics: a foreign language (European or Asian, modern or classical), English, Anthropology, Sociology, Philosophy, or Psychology.
Note that when reference is made to Linguistics units, this refers to any unit that may be included in a Linguistics departmental major. In effect, this means any unit offered by the Linguistics Department except English in Academic Contexts (ACEN1001) or Advanced English in Academic Contexts (ACEN 1002); it also includes the following units offered by other sections of the university.
LANG2101 Second Language Acquisition
LANG2102 Psycholinguistics
JAPS2007 Japanese
Linguistics
JAPS2009 Japanese phonetics and phonology
JAPS2019 Japanese lexicon
SEAT2106 Seminar
in Thai Linguistics
SEAT2107 Comparative-Historical Tai Linguistics
Full-time students should normally take Ling 1001 Introduction to the Study of Language and Ling1004 Phonetics and Phonology in the first year (six linguistics credit points in each semester), and then take 16 linguistics credit points in each semester of their second and third years. (Ling 2003 Introduction to Syntax is a prerequisite for many later courses, and should normally be taken in the first semester of the second year).
It is important that prospective honours students should consult with the designated honours adviser at least once a year, to discuss their choice of units and ensure that they are recommended to the Faculty for entry to fourth-year honours when the time comes.
Combined honours: It is possible to combine honours in Linguistics with honours in a language offered by either the Faculty of Arts or the Faculty of Asian Studies, as well as with a number of other subjects. For details consult the head of the relevant departments or centres.
Prerequisites for entry to fourth year
All students must meet the requirements for the pass degree. In addition they must have completed 76 Linguistics credit points, attaining at least a Credit average and some Distinctions. Their choice of Linguistics units must conform to one of the three streams set out in the table at the end of this section. (Note: when reference is made to Linguistics units, this refers to any unit that may be included in a Linguistics departmental major.)
In the Honours students take three or four coursework units and write a substantial sub-thesis. The number of units taken, and the weighting between units and sub-thesis, is decided at the beginning of the year. All fourth-year coursework is assessed at fourth-year level.
Students are encouraged to think of their fourth year as a 12-month course. As soon as they finish the requirements of their pass degree, they should consult with the honours adviser to determine a sub-thesis topic and supervisor.
More extensive information on the honours course in linguistics is contained in the Departmental Information Booklet which may be obtained from the departmental administrator.
Requirements for Honours in Linguistics
General Linguistics Honours stream
10 Linguistics units to include:
Introductory unit (normally included but not prescribed)
Introduction to
the Study of Language (LING1001/2001)
3 compulsory units (List A):
Phonetics and Phonology (LING1004/2004)
Introduction
to Syntax (LING2003)
Semantics (LING2008)
At least 3 units chosen from List B:
Historical and Comparative Linguistics
(LING2005)
Generative Grammar (LING2006)
Morphology (LING2007)
Field Methods
(LING2009)
Advanced Syntax (LING 3001)
Phonological Theory (LING3002)
Applied Linguistics Honours stream
10 Linguistics units to include:
Introductory unit (normally included but not prescribed)
Introduction to
the Study of Language (LING1001/2001)
4 compulsory units:
Phonetics and Phonology (LING1004/2004)
Introduction
to Syntax (LING2003)
Semantics (LING2008)
Research Methods in Applied Linguistics
(LING3009)
At least 1 unit chosen from:
Language Learning (LING3021)
Second Language
Acquisition (LANG2101)
Teaching Languages (LING2013)
Teaching English to
Speakers of Other Languages (LING2024)
At least 1 unit chosen from:
Cross-Cultural Communication (LING1021/2021)
Discourse
Analysis (LING3008)
Language Planning and Language Politics (LING2022)
Psycholinguistics
(LANG2102)
Semantics/Pragmatics Honours stream
10 Linguistics units to include:
Introductory unit (normally included but not prescribed)
Introduction to
the Study of Language (LING1001/2001)
3 compulsory units (List A):
Phonetics and Phonology (LING1004/2004)
Introduction
to Syntax (LING2003)
Semantics (LING2008)
At least 1 unit chosen from:
Cross-Cultural Communication (LING1021/2021)
Discourse
Analysis (LING3008)
Seminar on Semantics (LING3022)
At least 2 further units chosen from:
Cross-Cultural Communication (LING1021/2021)
Discourse
Analysis (LING3008)
Language and Society (LING1002/2002)
Language and Culture
(LING2015)
Seminar on Semantics (LING3022)
At least 1 unit from list B (see above).
Further Linguistics units to bring the total point value to 78
Further information: See the current departmental booklet.
Graduate Studies
The inguistics Department participates in the Graduate Program in Linguistics. The following courses are available. For details see the Graduate School Handbook.
Graduate Certificate in Language Teaching
Graduate Diploma in Arts (in General
Linguistics)
Graduate Diploma in Applied Linguistics
Graduate Diploma and Graduate Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Master of Arts (by coursework and research)
Master of Arts (by research
only)
Doctor of Philosophy
Accredited units in Academic English
The university offers two first-year units in Academic English to those students whose first language is not English. These units provide a very useful preparation and introduction to Australian university requirements and practices in all aspects of academic life. They help students to develop listening and reading skills which will assist them in understanding the requirements for tutorial preparation and assignment writing.
These units are offered by the Linguistics Department in the Faculty of Arts. While these units may count toward the total requirements for a degree, they may not form part of any specified major. They may be taken for credit in Arts, Asian Studies, Science or (on a case by case basis) Economics and Commerce with the approval of a Sub-Dean.
English in Academic Contexts ACEN1001
(6cp)
First semester
Two lectures and two tutorials per week
Lecturer: May be offered in 1999 subject to availability of a lecturer
Prerequisites: This unit is open only to students whose native language
is not English. Students eligible to enrol are:
(a) International students
who presented an English language score (IELTS or TOEFL) for admission;
(b)
Students resident in Australia who were required to present an English
language score for admission;
(c) Students who took an ESL unit in Year
11 or 12 in Australia;
(d) Other students may enrol only with the written
permission of the coordinator.
Syllabus: The aim of this unit is to enable students to improve their English and academic skills so that they can participate more competently and confidently in their university studies.
Study of a variety of text types and genres (eg articles, scholarly books, essays and research reports) will form the basis of the course. The study of lectures will also be covered.
Students will practise and develop the following skills: note taking (from lectures and written texts); analysing, criticising and evaluating arguments; producing reasoned arguments from relevant sources; participating effectively in tutorials and seminars.
The unit will also include a component concerning cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural requirements and expectations in tertiary education.
Proposed assessment: A combination of regular class assignments, essays or reports, and tutorial/seminar presentations.
Preliminary reading
Advanced English in Academic Contexts ACEN1002
(8cp)
Second semester
Two lectures and two tutorials per week
Lecturer: May be offered in 1999 subject to availability of a lecturer
Prerequisites: This unit is open only to those whose native language is
not English. Students eligible to enrol are:
(1) those who have successfully
completed ACEN 1001;
(2) other students may enrol with the written permission
of the coordinator.
Syllabus: The aim of this unit is
(i) To enable students to improve their English and academic skills so that they can participate more competently and confidently in their university studies.
(ii) To provide students with an understanding and practice of academic genres.
The unit will involve the study of a wider variety of text types and genres (eg articles, scholarly books, essays, and research reports) than in ACEN 1001.
The unit will also aim to develop further the following skills: note taking (from lectures and written texts); analysing, criticising and evaluating arguments; producing reasoned arguments from relevant sources; and participating effectively in tutorials and seminars.
Proposed assessment: A combination of regular class assignments, essays or reports, and tutorial/seminar presentations.
Preliminary reading