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Language: Its Structure and Use - LING111
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: | S2 Day - Session 2, North Ryde, Day S3 Day - Session 3, December 2014 - February 2015, North Ryde, Day |
| Staff Contact(s): | Dr Jennifer Peck, Associate Professor Rosalind Thornton |
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| Corequisites: | |
| NCCW(s): | LING110 |
| Unit Designation(s): | |
| Unit Type: | |
| Assessed As: | Graded |
| Offered By: | Department of Linguistics Faculty of Human Sciences |
Timetable Information
For unit timetable information and session dates for external offerings please visit the Timetables@Macquarie Website.