175-417 Structure of Aboriginal Languages

Formerly available as 175-033/317. Students who have completed 175-033 or 175-317 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

175-014 Phonetics and 175-015 Syntax, and admission to the postgraduate diploma or honours in linguistics and applied linguistics for fourth-year students.

This subject is an investigation of the phonological, grammatical and semantic features of Australian Aboriginal languages through the study of a particular language against the background of research on Australian languages generally. Languages studied in previous years have included Kayardild (Qld), Mayali (NT), Yawuru and Nyulnyul (both WA), and Dalabon (NT).

• be able to analyse unfamiliar systems;

• discover order in the unfamiliar;

• be able to present clear, logical analyses of complex systems;

• be able to use evidence to refine hypotheses.

For 3rd year: three assignments totalling 1500 words and a 2500 word research paper. For 4th year: three assignments totalling 2500 words and a 2500 word paper.

A subject reader will be available.