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Language: Its Structure and Use - LING110
This unit examines how languages are structured and how people use language. Aspects of linguistic theory covered include study of sounds and sound systems (phonetics and phonology), the structure of words (morphology) and sentence patterns (syntax). Linguistic theory is presented with a focus on English, but students analyse data from a range of the world's languages. Other areas of linguistic study that are introduced include language in the brain, psycholinguistics and child language acquisition. Language use in everyday conversation is examined, along with issues such as language change, standardisation of language, concepts of linguistic ‘correctness’, and how different groups use language to express social and cultural identity. This includes discussion of the talk of women and men, people of different ages and ethnic backgrounds within Australia and elsewhere. Another topic discussed is the way in which social networking, tweeting and texting are bringing about language innovation. The unit provides a thorough grounding for students wishing to further their knowledge of linguistics in higher-level units.
| Credit Points: | 3 |
| When Offered: | D2 - Day; Offered in Session 2, North Ryde E2 - Evening; Offered in Session 2, North Ryde Session 3 Internal - Day; Offered in December 2012 - February 2013, North Ryde |
| Staff Contact(s): | Dr Jennifer Peck, Professor Rosalind Thornton |
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| Unit Type: | People unit |
| Assessed As: | Graded |
| Offered By: | Department of Linguistics Faculty of Human Sciences |
Timetable Information
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