After this course, the student
- Can sketch the evolution of the 7,000+ languages that are spoken today by a) by demonstrating a broad understanding of the origins of language, b) by differentiating several language classification methods, c. by tracing the genealogy of languages by means of the Comparative Method
- Can demonstrate familiarity with the basic principles and processes of language change, i.e. sound change, grammaticalization, borrowing, etc. by analysing a given dataset and interpreting it according to these basic principles and processes
- Is able to explain the role of first language acquisition and second language acquisition in language change
- Is able to place linguistic variation and change in a sociolinguistic context
- Is able to identify key concepts and ideas from an academic paper and present them in an oral presentation
- Is able to critically reflect on and assess academic papers on language variation and change by formulating relevant discussion questions
- Is able to accurately analyse an independently chosen instance of language change, integrating various academic sources on the topic
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This course will study the principles and processes of language change both on a practical and theoretical level. The focus of the first part of the course will be on the history of language itself and the way in which languages can change. The course will offer insight in how to explain similarity and differences between languages by means of language classification and we will explore the importance of the Comparative Method in determining the shape and form of earlier language stages. Through a combination of theory, case studies and hands-on assignments, we will gain insight in the key concepts of language change, such as grammaticalization and borrowing. The second part of the course will focus on the factors that drive linguistic change. We will explore the role of first language acquisition, second language acquisition and sociolinguistic variation, by reading secondary literature and presentations of relevant case studies. The course ends with a paper on an individually determined topic.
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