V Introduction to English linguistics 2024-25

Prof. Dr. Christina Sanchez-Stockhammer

V: Introduction to English Linguistics                                                  

Tuesday, 09:15 – 10:45                                              First meeting: 15.10.2024

Content:

This lecture introduces you to the basic concepts and methods of present-day English linguistics. We will discuss the characteristics of human language and deal with the description of language on various levels of structure; namely phonetics and phonology (pronunciation), morphology (word structure), word formation, syntax (sentence structure), semantics (meaning) and pragmatics (language use in context), as well as with variation around the world.

Objectives:

After attending this lecture successfully, participants will

·       have a basic understanding of the major areas of linguistic structure

·       are able to discuss the principles of present-day English linguistics

·       are able to carry out various types of linguistic analysis (e.g. analyse words into morphemes or sentences into clause elements)

Prerequisites:

None

Requirements for credits:

Participation in class and a 60-minute written exam at the end of the semester.

Textbook (purchase recommended):

Herbst, Thomas. 2010. English linguistics: A coursebook for students of English. Berlin: de Gruyter Mouton.