69318 - General Linguistics (C)

Learning outcomes

The course aims at introducing the basics properties of human language, its levels of analysis (phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics) and their interrelations. Both a synchronic and diachronic perspective will be adopted. The course will give an overview of the main theoretical models in linguistics and their epistemological foundations. Moreover, it will provide the students with some basic notions regarding the various subdisciplines of linguistics, such as typology (and the search for linguistic universals), sociolinguistics, psycholinguistics, lexicology, computational linguistics. At the end of the course, the students will be able to analyze any text from the phonological, morphological, syntactic and semantic point of view.

Course contents

The course is introductory in nature and does not require any prior knowledge of linguistics.

During the course, participants will acquire fundamental knowledge in the field of general linguistics and will develop skills in analysing real linguistic data. Topics covered include the definition of 'language as a faculty' and 'natural language'; an in-depth examination of the levels of linguistic analysis: phonetics and phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics and the lexicon, pragmatics; an introduction to linguistic typology and linguistic universals; the dimensions of variation in language understood as a diasystem; the use of real linguistic data drawn from corpora; and an overview of the origins and development of the discipline.

Readings/Bibliography

Raffaele Simone (2024). Nuovi fondamenti di linguistica. Seconda edizione. Milan: McGraw Hill.

Giorgio Graffi (2019). Breve storia della linguistica. Rome: Carocci (chapters 5, 6 e 7).

Recommended reading: 

Francesca Masini & Nicola Grandi (2017). Tutto ciò che hai sempre voluto sapere sul linguaggio e sulle lingue. Bologna: Caissa Italia.

 

Attendance is strongly recommended. No additional reading is required for non-attending students.

Teaching methods

The course is delivered in person through traditional lectures, supported by PowerPoint presentations made available to students on a weekly basis via the Virtuale platform.

Attending students are encouraged to participate actively by asking questions and suggesting observations.

Short in-class exercises are also scheduled at the end of each major topic.

Theoretical lessons are complemented by practical examples and guided analyses of linguistic data drawn from Italian and other European and non-European languages.

Assessment methods

The examination takes place in oral form and aims at assessing the student's level of achievement with respect to: (1) understanding the theoretical foundations provided during the course; and (2) applying them to real linguistic data.

The oral examination consists of a phonological transcription, definitions, closed questions, open questions of a theoretical and/or argumentative nature and exercises based on data from various languages. Topics will cover the entire course content: the definition of 'language' (as a faculty) and 'natural historical language', phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, the dimensions of variation within the diasystem of a language, linguistic typology and the history of the discipline.

Assessment will be based on:

• the correctness of the answers (up to 30 points, with the possibility of honours), allowing for partially correct responses;
• the ability to organise content effectively and to present it clearly and concisely;
• argumentative skills.

An excellent mark (28–30 with honours) corresponds to comprehensive knowledge of the course content, fluency and clarity in expression, accuracy in data analysis and use of specialist terminology, and critical insight. Intermediate marks (24–27) correspond to partial knowledge of the topics covered, imprecise use of terminology, and uncertainty in data analysis. A pass mark (18–23) reflects patchy knowledge, poor command of terminology and basic linguistic concepts, and inaccurate or superficial data analysis. A failing mark (<18) indicates serious gaps in knowledge, an inability to construct arguments and/or a failure to analyse data correctly.

Teaching tools

Lectures are supported by the use of slides projected in class.
Selected digital resources and online materials will also be used, including short videos, interactive exercises, and multimedia tools (where applicable).

 

Slides are uploaded weekly on Virtuale.

 

Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities. It is suggested that they get in touch as soon as possible with the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en) and with the lecturer in order to seek together the most effective strategies for following the lessons and/or preparing for the examination.

Any requests for exam accommodations must be made at least 15 days before the date of the exam, by sending an email to the teacher and copying (Cc) the email address disabilita@unibo.it (in case of disability) or dsa@unibo.it (for students with Specific Learning Difficulties).

Office hours

See the website of Francesca Dell'Oro