Language Structure and Function

In this course we will discuss the major issues and findings in the study of human language within theories of modern linguistics, which shares a history with mid-century American anthropology. The main topics include the nature of human language in comparison with other communication systems; sound patterns (phonology); word-formation (morphology); sentence structure (syntax); meaning (semantics); use (pragmatics); language acquisition and socialization. We will also consider language variation and the historical development of languages. Instruction is in English but examples will be drawn from less commonly studied languages around the world. This course is part of the Public Humanities Labs Initiative administered by the Axinn Center for the Humanities. (not open to students who have taken LNGT 0101) 3 hrs. lect.