Linguistic typology

This course provides a general introduction to accounting for the diversity of languages in linguistic analysis. It consists of two types of sessions. In the CM sessions, we will explore how the languages of the world implement certain categories of linguistic analysis in their grammar, focusing on the following selected topics: - introduction in linguistic typology, universals, parts of speech-systems, case marking, syntactic alignment, argument indexes, relativization, nominalization and subordination and valency operations. In the practical sessions (TD), we will examine in detail how a language unknown to the students applies these same concepts. The course is primarily focused on morphosyntax. The students may choose two languages: the primary language they study, which they are familiar with, such as their native language if it is not one of the common Western European languages (e.g., not Spanish, English, French, or German). The second language must be one they are unfamiliar with and not related to their mother tongue or the language they speak or study, preferably from a different continent.                           

On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:           

• The student is expected to apply the theoretical foundation as explained during the CM sessions in the assignments, the presentation, and the final project.
• The student must demonstrate familiarity with the methodology and tools for typological research, such as Ethnologue, the WALS database, and the Leipzig glosses.
• The student must be able to theoretically substantiate a chosen topic, using the relevant literature. Through the chosen case study, the student demonstrates the ability to apply this theoretical framework.
• The student is expected to demonstrate scientific skills in the presentation and the final project, such as correct citation, paraphrasing, summarizing, analyzing, and referencing sources.

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