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Linguistics 201: Introduction to Linguistics

Linguistics 201: Introduction to Linguistics. Instructor: Steve Winters TA: Jamison Cooper-Leavitt PASS Leader: Kirsty Gruber Meets: EEEL 210 MWF 2:00-2:50. What is linguistics?. Linguistics is the scientific study of language. “Science” is a fancy word for knowledge .

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Linguistics 201: Introduction to Linguistics

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  1. Linguistics 201:Introduction to Linguistics Instructor: Steve Winters TA: Jamison Cooper-Leavitt PASS Leader: Kirsty Gruber Meets: EEEL 210 MWF 2:00-2:50

  2. What is linguistics? • Linguistics is the scientific study of language. • “Science” is a fancy word for knowledge. • from Latin: sciens “having knowledge” • Q: What do we know about language?

  3. Linguists know (part 1): • Language is biological. • Language is uniquely human. • Every child acquires language. • Every human society uses language for communication. • All languages share certain features in common • ...and there are certain features not found in any language. • Language forms a part of your brain.

  4. Linguists know (part 2): • Language is very complex. • Every language has a system of rules for constructing syllables, words and sentences. • = the “grammar” of that language • “Knowing” a language means: knowing these rules • This “knowledge” is mostly sub-conscious • You don’t know what you know! • Linguists try to figure out what these rules are.

  5. Examples • Possible English words: • plab forch beeg shump staz hibber crong trab • Unpossible English words: • fmort glsik rmak msile vlash zpin ngotch ptud • Some acceptable English sentences: • Who do you think Tom is shouting at? • Who do you think that Tom is shouting at? • Who do you think is shouting at Harry? • An unacceptable English sentence: 4. *Who do you think that is shouting at Harry?

  6. Our (Scientific) Method • Be observant! • Language is all around you. • …and people use it all the time. • Have an open mind. • All languages are equally complex. • All languages are systematic (= rule-based). • (Note: Linguistics is not about learning how to “speak the right way.”) • Look for generalizations. • Finding general truths about language is the way we figure out what the rules of language are.

  7. Linguists know (part 3): • Language is creative. • It enables you to say (and think) things that you have never heard before. • “chillax” • “His facebook picture makes me lulz.” • “I’m going to re-message him.” • “Totes!” • “gifting” • “That’s sick!” •  Language is not just learned from the environment. •  Language is (partly) innate!

  8. Course Requirements • Homeworks -- best 4 of 5 30% • Mid-term Exam 30% • Final Exam 30% • Quick Writes 10% • Grades will be posted to the class website on the compass system: • https://blackboard.ucalgary.ca/webapps/login/ • The syllabus, homeworks, lecture notes, handouts, quick writes, and other links will be posted to: • https://webdisk.ucalgary.ca/~swinters/public_html/ling201/index.html

  9. Why are we here?

  10. Course Texts • Required: • Contemporary Linguistic Analysis, William O'Grady & John Archibald, eds. (2011), 7th ed. • Also recommended: • Study Guide to Contemporary Linguistic Analysis. Teresa Merrells & Anna L. Moro (2011). • The text has its own website: • http://www.pearsoncanada.ca/ogrady/ • There is also an answer key that comes along with the book. • (and can be found on the website, as well)

  11. The Future • On Wednesday, we will discuss: • human language and animal communication • more on language “knowledge” • Check out: • Chapter 16.1-16.4 of the textbook • (available on the course website) • Any questions?

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