BA English Language and Chinese

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This module provides an introduction to typology, the field of linguistics aiming to describe and analyse the diversity of structures found in the languages of the world and to uncover similarities between languages that cannot be explained by a shared history. We will examine cross-linguistic variation and recurring patterns in selected areas of morphology, syntax and semantics. We will also discuss methods of collecting data for typological research and their limitations, and critically review some of the explanations proposed for structures that are cross-linguistically frequent. Students will conduct a coursework project on a language previously unfamiliar to them on the basis of published reference grammars. This module is essential for students interested in pursuing cross-linguistic research or language documentation, and is also highly recommended for students with an interest in grammatical theory. 

Compulsory Pre-requisite: LELA10301 - English Word and Sentence Structure. Students who do not meet this pre-requisite must gain academic approval before they can be enrolled.

• Students will obtain an overview of the degree of variation, and limits to variation, in selected grammatical characteristics of the languages of the world.
• Students will acquire the ability to apply grammatical and comparative concepts to a language unfamiliar to them.
• Students will critically evaluate typological generalisations and test their applicability to specific languages.

By the end of this course unit, students will:

• Be able to define some key notions in linguistic typology, and apply them to new data;
• Be able to identify the cross-linguistically most frequent strategies in the marking of selected grammatical constructions;
• Be able to evaluate explanations that have been proposed for the prevalence of certain construction types;
• Appreciate the methodological issues that arise in cross-linguistic research.

• Identifying patterns in sets of data.
• Identifying key points in the literature relevant to a given topic
• Critically evaluating a model against new data
• Evaluating the validity of a generalisation from a sample

• Using different strategies for locating relevant information
• Glossing and translating data from an unfamiliar language

• Tackling a complex and unfamiliar task by completing several steps, following guidelines, taking into account feedback, and asking for assistance in case of difficulties
• Awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity
• Confidence in discussion and argumentation
• Offering precise argumentation in written work that is backed by empirical evidence

• Croft, William (2003), Typology and Universals. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
• Greenberg, Joseph (1963), Some Universals of Grammar with Particular Reference to the Order of Meaningful Elements, in J. Greenberg (ed.), Universals of Language, 58-90. Cambridge: MIT Press.
• Song, Jae J. (2018), Linguistic Typology. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
• Velupillai, Viveka (2012), An Introduction to Linguistic Typology. Amsterdam: John Benjamins.
• Whaley, Lindsay J. (1997), Introduction to Typology: The Unity and Diversity of Language. London: Sage Publications