LG359-6-SP-CO:
World Language Structures
2020/21
Language and Linguistics
Colchester Campus
Spring
Undergraduate: Level 6
Current
Sunday 17 January 2021
Friday 26 March 2021
15
27 May 2020
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
This module explores syntax from a cross-linguistic perspective and provides students with a deeper understanding of syntactic variation. We examine key concepts of grammatical organization as it is exhibited in the languages of the world. We look at syntactic variation, as well as the limits which seem to operate on this variation. We will explore a number of categories and concepts which are challenged when data from a broader range of languages is taken into consideration.
• To introduce students to the key goals and motivation behind cross-linguistic syntactic analysis
• To stimulate student’s interest in cross-linguistic variation
• To provide students with an understanding of syntactic variation in the world’s languages
• To equip students with the skills of syntactic analysis using data from a range of languages
• To develop students’ skills of syntactic argumentation
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
• Engage with key issues and concepts in grammatical analysis
• Understand the goal of enquiry in syntax from a cross-linguistic perspective
• Explore syntactic variation (and its limits) found in the world’s languages
• Analyse syntactic data from a range of languages
• Use data to support argumentation
1. Lexical categories
2. Encoding grammatical relations
3. Configurationality
4. Valency changing
5. Head-marking and dependent-marking languages
6. Tense-aspect-mood, modality
7. Sentence types
8. Subordination
9. Information structure
10. Language universals
The two-hour session will combine lecture and practical tasks.
- Asya Pereltsvaig. (2017) Languages of the World: Cambridge University Press.
- Tallerman, Maggie. (2015) Understanding syntax, New York: Routledge.
- Song, Jae Jung. (2001) Linguistic typology: morphology and syntax, New York: Longman.
The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course. The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students. Further reading can be obtained from this module's reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
Assignment 1 |
|
40% |
| Coursework |
Assignment 2 |
|
60% |
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Prof Hannah Gibson, email: h.gibson@essex.ac.uk.
Dr Hannah Gibson
Dr Hannah Gibson, Office: 4.127, Telephone: 01206 872227, Email:h.gibson@essex.ac.uk
Yes
No
No
Dr Christopher Lucas
University of London
Senior Lecturer in Arabic Linguistics
Available via Moodle
Of 935 hours, 0 (0%) hours available to students:
935 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s).
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