Linguistics

This course explores language structure, in particular, patterns of sentence structure (syntax) and of meaning (semantics), from a cross-linguistic perspective. Concepts discussed include: grammatical categories, semantic relations, grammatical relations, constituency, and the relationship between grammar and the lexicon. A key feature of the course is its emphasis on the evidence and argumentation that bears upon the representation of structure and principles of grammar that we postulate. The course provides the foundation for the study of advanced courses investigating linguistic structure.

This seminar provides students with a comprehensive insight into the evolution of language, encompassing both biological and cultural changes. We will explore thought-provoking questions based on language evolution theories, such as the distinctions between human and animal communication and the reasons behind humans' ability to acquire a vast vocabulary compared to our closest ancestors. Through an exploration of neurocognitive experimental research and incorporating insights from artificial neurocomputational modeling, we will investigate the underlying mechanisms in the human mind and brain that govern language processing, usage, and evolution. Additionally, we will place particular emphasis on linguistic pragmatics, a sub-discipline that examines language as a tool of communication in social contexts, drawing upon foundational concepts from analytical philosophy and linguistic pragmatic models. Throughout these discussions, we will explore factors such as social interaction, turn-taking, and the establishment of common ground. Furthermore, there will be planned visits to the electroencephalography (EEG) laboratory to provide hands-on experience with neurocognitive experiments, as well as a visit to the aphasia therapy center of the Brain Language Unit at the Freie Universität Berlin.

This course delves into the linguistic aspects and grammatical structures of the Spanish language. It explores phonetics, morphology, and syntax to develop a comprehensive understanding of Spanish linguistics. Emphasis is placed on analyzing the fundamental components of the language and examining how they contribute to effective communication. By studying the underlying principles of Spanish grammar, the course provides insight into its intricacies and evolution over time. A combination of theoretical discussions and practical exercises enhances proficiency in Spanish grammar and linguistic analysis.

This course explores the historical and epistemological background of the so-called linguistic turn. It discusses differences between various positions related to language in social psychology including rhetoric, discourse, narrative, and social constructionism.

This course focuses on the basic concepts of phonetics and phonology and applies them to the phonological system of Spanish. Topics include: physical and physiological characteristics of sounds; articulatory and acoustic classification of Spanish vowels and consonants; variation in the pronunciation of Spanish, including geographical and social varieties of Spanish; the phonological system of Spanish: inventory of phonemes and their characterization by distinctive features; phonological oppositions; the Spanish syllable; prosodic units-- accent and intonation. 

This course studies the principles of language variation in society with an emphasis on sociolinguistic variation in Spanish. Topics covered include: origins and evolution of sociolinguistics; language, dialects, sociolects; linguistic and social variables; multilingualism, code change, pidgin and creole languages; sociolinguistic research methodology.

This course studies the fundamental concepts of phonetic and phonological theories. The course begins with a review of classical taxonomic phonology and then moves on to the study of modern phonological theories.  

The course also covers practical phonetics, and students will practice producing speech sounds from languages spoken around the world, using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). Examples will be presented mainly from English and Japanese to help students understand the theories, but examples from various other languages will also be used to further explain the theoretical concepts. Students are expected to have a basic knowledge of phonetics and phonology. 

In this course, students observe, understand, and analyze linguistic phenomena specific to Spanish, in the phonetic and phonological domain.

This course examines the structure of the Russian language in phonetic and phonological aspects and focuses on the relationship between spelling, sound, and the other aspects of linguistic analysis. The course covers Russian vowel and consonant systems, the phonological system and morphology, the relationship between phonetics and spelling, phonetic transcription, the intonation system, and practical phonetics and orthoepy.