Master
2024/2025
Typology
Type:
Elective course (Linguistic Theory and Language Description)
Area of studies:
Fundamental and Applied Linguistics
Delivered by:
School of Linguistics
Where:
Faculty of Humanities
When:
1 year, 1, 2 module
Mode of studies:
offline
Open to:
students of all HSE University campuses
Instructors:
Oleg Volkov
Master’s programme:
Linguistic Theory and Language Description
Language:
English
ECTS credits:
6
Contact hours:
32
Course Syllabus
Abstract
The aim of the course is to introduce the students to the study of linguistic diversity by focusing on a specific domain / parameter of variation. Parameters are subject to yearly change and are chosen to be basic enough to be universal and easy to grasp for speakers with various native languages, and students of different background. An example of such universal basic parameter, are lexical and grammatical variation in the domain of basic motion verbs. The course is essentially based on students’ readings of scholarly research in the domain, their presentation and classroom discussions and quizzes.
Learning Objectives
- The objectives of the course is to introduce the students to the methods and practicalities of research of language diversity and language description. During the course, a position paper is presented by the instructor. The rest if the course is based on reading, presented by the students and discussed in classes. The course is built on the topics selected for the specific year, from two to four.
Expected Learning Outcomes
- Students are good at critical academic reading.
- Students more generally, understand the principles of the study of cross-linguistic variation and comparison.
- Students understand the principles of variation in the domains selected for the course in the current year.
Course Contents
- Talmian typology of motion events.
- Caused motion and verbs of transport.
- Grammaticalization paths characteristic to verbs of motion.
- Associated motion: an overview of the category.
- Filmorian typology of deictic verbs; andative and ventive categories grammaticalized.
Bibliography
Recommended Core Bibliography
- Raible, W. (n.d.). Language universals and language typology. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.3456796F
Recommended Additional Bibliography
- William Croft. (1990). Typology and universals. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsbas&AN=edsbas.F410506D