Introduction to Linguistics

Catalog description

This course is an introduction to the study of the nature and use of language. It includes an analysis of the differences and similarities between natural (animal and human) and artificial languages as well as an overview of the geographical distribution of language groups. It also introduces students to the analysis of the sound of language, word formation, sentence structure and meaning, and language use. The course emphasizes the process of language acquisition, and the relationship between linguistics and disciplines such as sociology, psychology, neuroscience, and cognitive science.