175-105 Introduction to Language

Formerly available as 175-004. Students who have completed 175-004 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

This subject is a practical introduction to the nature of human language which gives a conceptual framework for thinking about and discussing language and provides training in basic skills of analysis and description applicable to any language. Central areas of linguistics will be covered using data from languages from all over the world, including speech sounds, word structure, sentence structure, meaning, conversation, language learning, and language change.

• be able to communicate knowledge intelligibly and economically;

• develop skill in critical thinking and analysis;

• gain skill in observation and attention to detail;

• develop skill in thinking in theoretical terms.

Problem-solving assignments totalling 2000 words 50% (due throughout the semester) and a 2-hour examination 50% (end of semester).

• Fromkin et al (eds), An Introduction to Language (Australian edition). Latest edition.