LING 484/584 - Introduction to Historical and Comparative Linguistics

Institution:

Bushnell University

Subject:

Description:

Historical-Comparative linguistics is the scientific approach to the study of linguistic relationships. This course addresses the question of linguistic similarity due to genetic relatedness versus similarity due to contact and areal phenomena. Historical- Comparative linguistics employs the comparative method as a means for determining genetic relationship between language varieties through an examination of expected internal processes. Students will be able to posit linguistic subgroupings based on shared innovations and reconstruct a proto-language based on common phonological processes. This historical analysis will also include the identification of linguistic features which have resulted from external, contact-induced processes such as areal diffusion, multilingual convergence, borrowing, and interlinguistic analogy. Students will explore Variation Theory as a means for explaining and predicting asymmetrical intelligibility relationships through a careful examination of comparative data. Historical comparative linguistics is very useful for those interested in language survey, language program planning, clustering strategies and related language adaptation approaches to translation. Prerequisites: Phonetics (LING 414/514), Analytical Methods in Morphology and Syntax (LING 441/541). Pre- or Co-requisite: Introduction to Phonology (LING 453/553). 111

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.bushnell.edu/

Phone Number:

(541) 343-1641

Regional Accreditation:

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Calendar System:

Semester

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