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LING110: Language: Its Structure and Use
This unit examines how language is structured in terms of sounds (phonetics), words (morphology) and grammatical rules (syntax). The core theories of linguistics are presented using examples from English, and students test and practise rules and processes using English and a range of the world's languages. Universal aspects such as language acquisition, and brain and language are explored. Language use in everyday conversation is examined, and issues of importance around the world, such as language change, standardisation, and concepts of linguistic—correctness—are discussed. The unit shows how different groups use language to express social and cultural identity, and in this context the talk of women and men, and people of different ages, ethnic backgrounds and physical abilities are explored. Examples from Australian English are compared with illustrations of linguistic use around the world. Contemporary innovations in language driven by the needs of electronic media and current business practice are examined. The unit is both theoretical and practical, linking linguistic structure to everyday language use. The unit develops the skills to analyse language in a range of social and cultural contexts. The unit provides a thorough grounding for further studies in linguistics.
| Credit Points: | 3 |
| Contact Hours: | |
| When Offered: | D2 - Day; Offered in the second half-year E2 - Evening; Offered in the second half-year Session 3 - Offered in January-February 2012 (Session Dates: Offered in January-February 2012) |
| Staff Contact(s): | Dr Jennifer Peck, Dr Rosalind Thornton |
| Prerequisites: | |
| Corequisites: | |
| NCCW(s): | |
| Unit Designation(s): | |
| Assessed As: | Graded |
| Offered By: | Department of Linguistics |
| People or Planet: | People |
Timetable Information
For unit timetable information please visit the Timetables@Macquarie Website .