Admission requirements
BA in linguistics or a language. Knowledge of basic linguistic terminology is required. Assumed background: an introduction to linguistic typology, e.g. Velupillai, Viveka (2012), An Introduction to Linguistic Typology. Amsterdam: Benjamins.
Description
In this course, languages exhibiting typological differences and similarities will be studied from a cross-linguistic perspective. Some major current approaches to language universals and typology will be discussed. Guest lecturers will present the state-of-the-art of particular typological domains.
Course objectives
To learn how arguments are morphosyntactically represented.
To learn about different alignment systems (nom-acc, abs-erg and variations thereof).
To learn about head-dependent asymmetries in phrase structure and in morphological markings.
To study various interpretations of the notion of ‘subject’. .
To learn how ditransitive and causative constructions are structured crosslinguistically, and how they are accounted for.
To discuss case studies relating to e.g.: a. typological generalisations about word order; b. diachronic dimensions in typology: the use of typology in language reconstruction, and contact-induced typological change; c. phonological typology; d. dialects and typological research.
To practice typological research, analysis, argumentation and presentation in written assignments, an oral presentation, and a final essay.
Timetable
The timetable will be available by June 1st on the website.
Mode of instruction
Lecture and seminar
Course Load
time spent on attending lectures: 28 hours
time for studying thec ompulsory literature: 110 hours
time for completing assignments: 52 hours
time to write a paper (including reading/research): 90 hours
Assessment Method
During the course the students hand in a number of written assignments and do one oral presentation on a selected
Typological topic 50%
Final essay 50%
Blackboard
This course is supported by Blackboard.
Reading list
Comrie, Bernard. (1989) [2nd edition] or later reprints. Language Universals and Linguistic Typology. Oxford: Basil Blackwell.
More recent developments in typology will be discussed using additional reading (articles, book chapters), to be made available through Blackboard.
Registration
Students should register through uSis. If you have any questions, please contact the departmental office, tel. 071 5272144 or mail: ma-linguistics@hum.leidenuniv.nl
Registration Studeren à la carte and Contractonderwijs
Registration Studeren à la carte via: www.hum.leidenuniv.nl/onderwijs/alacarte
Registration Contractonderwijs via: http://www.hum.leidenuniv.nl/onderwijs/contractonderwijs/
Contact
MA Linguistics departmental office, P.N. van Eyckhof 4, room 102C. Tel. 071 5272144; mail:ma-linguistics@hum.leidenuniv.nl