This module will introduce some key concepts of classical and formal historical linguistics. It will address long-standing questions about the transmission of languages through time, and students will learn about and apply old and new techniques to probe into the past of our species, building on their existing skills in language and linguistics.
By the end of the module, students will have gained basic understanding of:
Special exemplification of the classical comparative method will be provided on proto-Indo-European morpho-phonology during the seminar sessions, and the students will eventually be able to reapply the procedures to other linguistic domains, possibly including aspects of their native languages.
Note that a Research Extension module can be taken alongside this module, for students who wish to write a dissertation.
This module will be capped at 35.
Students should have successfully completed:
Plus AT LEAST ONE of:
Three hours per week.
TBA.
Pedersen (1959) and the first six chapters of Cavalli Sforza & Cavalli Sforza (1995) are enjoyable preliminary readings for students who have not yet attended any course in historical linguistics or comparative anthropology, respectively.
Comments on formative work provided throughout teaching period.
Written feedback on summative work within four term weeks or six calendar weeks of submission, whichever is shorter.
About this module
- Module name
Introduction to historical-comparative methods in linguistics- Course code
L48H (LAN00048H)- Teacher
Monica-Alexandrina Irimia- Term(s) taught
Spring-Summer- Credits
20