Admission requirements
The course is open to students who followed an introduction to formal semantics AND to students with a solid background in descriptive linguistics and/or typology.
Description
The main topic of this course is cross linguistic variation in the domain of semantics. How do different languages express similar meanings? Where do similarities between languages come from? Is it possible to relate certain cross-linguistic patterns related to cognition? And does language shape cognition, or is it rather the other way around?
To limit our domain of research, we will mainly focus on noun phrases, number marking and quantity expressions.
One of the topics we will address is the use of so-called numeral classifiers, which can be found in genetically unrelated languages. In these languages, noun phrases containing numerals contain an extra element, a classifier, which classifies the noun in the sense that it reflects a property of the noun (a classifier for a noun meaning ‘pen’ could be a word meaning ‘long object’). What could be the function of the classifier? And under which conditions are classifiers found cross-lingusitically?
With respect to the relation between language and cognition, it has been claimed that speakers of numeral classifier languages and speakers of languages like English perceive the world differently. Is this really the case, or is it possible to explain the experimental results that led to these claims in a different way?
This course is related to the NWO project On the representation of quantity: how our brains shape language.
Course objectives
Students can critically apply analytical and descriptive linguistic research methods to cross-linguistic data;
They understand how semantic theory can be used to predict and explain linguistic data;
They are able to critically evaluate scientific arguments and methods within the sub-domain of semantics and cross-linguistic variation, both in oral presentations and in written texts;
They can cooperate on group assignments and they can give and receive feedback;
They are capable to independently carry out research on a topic related to the course and report about it in the form of a research paper.
Timetable
The timetables are available through My Timetable.
Mode of instruction
Seminar
Research
Assessment method
Active Participation/coöperation in class/group, including oral presentations
Essay, paper
Assessment
Assignments, presentations, and participation: 40%
Paper: 60% (minimum grade 5,5, resit possible)
Weighing
The final mark for the course is established by (i) determination of the weighted average combined with (ii) additional requirements.
Resit
A resit is possible for the final paper.
Inspection and feedback
How and when an exam review will take place will be disclosed together with the publication of the exam results at the latest. If a student requests a review within 30 days after publication of the exam results, an exam review will have to be organized.
Reading list
To be distributed viaBrightspace wordt gebruikt voor:
course information, including program and reading list
course documents and assignments
grades
Registration
General information about registering for courses and exams can be found [here] (https://www.student.universiteitleiden.nl/en/your-study-programme/courses-and-exams/enrolment/humanities/dutch-linguistics-ma?cf=humanities&cd=dutch-linguistics-ma#tab-1)
Contact
For substantive questions, contact the lecturer listed in the right information bar
For questions related to the content of the course, please contact the lecturer, you can find their contact information by clicking on their name in the sidebar.
For questions regarding enrollment please contact the Education Administration Office Reuvensplaats
For questions regarding your studyprogress contact the Coordinator of Studies
Remarks
None