Introduction to Arabic Linguistics

In this course we will focus on the study of Arabic as a “language system" in terms of the frameworks and tools of modern linguistic analysis. Topics covered include the sound system (phonology), word structure (morphology), phrase and sentence structure (syntax), meaning at the word and sentential level (semantics), as well as the history of Arabic and the Arabic grammatical tradition. We will give equal attention to the study of the linguistic features of both Standard Arabic and the modern Arabic dialects of today. Readings will be drawn from a variety of sources, including descriptive grammars and modern linguistic analyses. (ARBC 0103 or equivalent) 3 hrs lect/disc.