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, this year Iwaidja, 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.