Delivered at:: School of Linguistics

Course type:: Elective course

When:: 2 year, 1, 2 module

Instructors

Vlakhov, Andrian

Kasatkina, Aleksandra

Ryzhkov, Aleksei

Full Syllabus

Abstract

The course covers variation of linguistic structures in cross-cultural perspective. The course considers language as a cultural resource and behavior. It provides a general overview of the empirical and methodological studies of linguistic categorization (e.g. the study of color terms, kinship terms, cardinal and relative directions, noun categorization); social functions of proper names and ethnography of naming; linguistic taboos; genderlects; ethnography of speaking; functions and structural properties of ritual languages; properties of traditional texts and story-telling; popular etymology and rites based on it, use of language as magical means; function of language as basis of mythological beliefs and plots. The course surveys linguistic methods in anthropology: linguofolkloristics, ethnolinguistics etc. It introduces the students to the main methods of molecular anthropology in reconstructing the global history of human kind and local histories of language contact and shift. Some of the above aspects of the study of language are highly relevant for field research, on the theoretical level, to understand and document worldwide variation of linguistic functions and often, and on the practical level, to conduct linguistic research and carry out analysis of naturalistic discourse. It is not coincidental that the main provider of shareware software for field linguists, Summer Institute of Linguistics (www.sil.org) has recently included, in its range of products, a special utility to document kin systems and lineages.

Learning Objectives

to introduce the students to the parameters of variation of linguistic categorization
to introduce the students to cross-cultural variation in speech practices and to the role of the language in traditional culture
to introduce the students to the methods of study of this variation, including in field conditions

Expected Learning Outcomes

masters the theoretical fundaments and practical methodological skills related to this domain
understands principles and approaches the cross-linguistic investigation of the culturally relevant aspects of language and linguistically relevant aspects of culture
understands the ways in which human language reflects and affects cultural practices

Course Contents

Linguistic categorization
Practices of naming
Indexicality
Language and symbolic domination
Textual genres
Language contact and multilingualism

Assessment Elements

Активность на семинарах
Оценивается участие в дискуссиях на семинарских занятиях и степень освоенности предлагаемых обязательных к чтению статей.
Эссе по первой половине курса
Эссе пишется на английском языке, включает в себя письменный ответ (800–1000 слов каждые) на любые три из пяти дискуссионных вопросов по первой половине курса.
Эссе по второй половине курса
Эссе пишется на английском языке, включает в себя письменный ответ (800–1000 слов каждые) на любые три из пяти дискуссионных вопросов по второй половине курса.

Interim Assessment

2024/2025 2nd module
0.2 * Активность на семинарах + 0.2 * Активность на семинарах + 0.3 * Эссе по второй половине курса + 0.3 * Эссе по первой половине курса

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

The Cambridge Handbook of Linguistic Anthropology. (2014). Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsnar&AN=edsnar.oai.repository.ubn.ru.nl.2066.132105

Recommended Additional Bibliography

Ahearn, L. M. (2017). Living Language : An Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology. Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&site=eds-live&db=edsebk&AN=1367895

Authors

Vlakhov Andrian Viktorovich
RYZHKOV Aleksei MARKOVICH

Master’s Programme 'Linguistic Theory and Language Description'

Linguistic Anthropology