PT|EN
Introduction to Linguistic Studies
Courses Degree in Applied Languages | Degree in Humanities
Cod: 51138
Department: DH
ECTS: 6
Scientific area: Linguistics
Total working hours: 156
Total contact time: 24

On the first part of this curricular unit, several basic theoretical Linguistics concepts are presented, focusing on the object of this discipline, and on the main proposals both by Saussure and by Chomsky.
On the second part, the most relevant issues on the different levels of linguistic analysis (i.e. Phonetics, Phonology, Morphology, Syntax, Semantics and Pragmatics) are discussed, namely their object of study, their central concepts and several methodologies of language analysis.
Finally, on the third part, linguistic change and linguistic variation are the main issues. The approach combines theoretical description and the analysis of Portuguese examples.

At the end of the semester, students must be able:
• to identify the main properties of natural languages;
• to point out the importance of Saussure’s proposals on establishing Linguistics as a scientific discipline;
• to recognize the relevance of Chomsky’s theoretical and methodological proposals;
• to classify linguistic phenomena according to their level of analysis (Phonetics, Phonology, Morphology, Syntax, Semantics, and Pragmatics);
• to use relevant methods of analysis within each of the levels of linguistic analysis (Phonetics, Phonology, Morphology, Syntax, Semantics, and Pragmatics);
• to present examples of linguistic change phenomena.
• to present examples of linguistic variation phenomena (on a regional, social and individual perspective).

1st Part: Linguistics and verbal language
Subject 1 – Linguistics: Saussure and Chomsky
 
2nd Part: The levels of linguistic analysis
Subject 2 – Phonetics and Phonology
Subject 3 – Morphology and Syntax
Subject 4 – Semantics and Pragmatics
 
3rd Part: Linguistic change and linguistic variation
Subject 5 – Linguistic change and linguistic variation

SILVA, Paulo Nunes da (2010), Manual de Introdução aos Estudos Linguísticos (e-book available on the curricular unit page in the Moodle platform).
FARIA, Isabel Hub, et alii (Org.) (1996), Introdução à Linguística Geral e Portuguesa, Lisboa, Caminho.
 
Note: Other references for each subject will be presented during the semester.

E-learning

Continuous assessment is privileged: 2 digital written documents (e-folios) during the semester (40%) and a final digital test, Global e-folio (e-folio G) at the end of the semester (60%). In due time, students can alternatively choose to perform one final exam (100%).