By the end of the course students will gain an understanding of both the theoretical and methodological principles leading the scientific study of language. This understanding will promote their second language acquisition process.
Students will be able to analyze linguistic data in different domains, to compare linguistic data collected in different contexts and will gain a first grasp of language variation according to socio-cultural differences, with particular reference to intercultural communication.
Students must be able to apply basic grammatical distinctions. For ex. they are required to be able to classify Italian words into parts of speech (noun, verb, preposition, etc.). They must be able to find the subject of an Italian clause or to distinguish a main clause from a dependent clause. During the course, short exercises will be administered to help students become aware of any gaps; this kind of gaps will have to be filled individually.
Lectures. Compulsory activities performed by attending students: Analysis of linguistic data both on the e-learning platform and in classsroom and classroom discussion on the use of language as cultural practice.
Lectures are accompanied by hand-outs prepared by the teacher. The hand-outs deal with the same content of the textbooks. Students are asked to download the hand-outs from the e-learning platform.
The password to have access to the course on the e-learning platform will be delivered during the first class of the course.
The test assesses both the knowledge of theoretical notions and the ability to apply them to linguistic data.
The exam is a written test administered through a Learning Management System.
Written test: 16 open-ended or multiple choice/close-ended questions on theoretical notions and on analysis of linguistic data. Each correct and complete answer scores 2 points. A maximum total score of 32 points is equal to 30/30 cum laude.
The time allowed is 60 minutes.
The results of the written exam will be published on the exam transcripts of the student. Student may reject their mark within the second day from the date of publication.
A simulation of the exam will be published on the e-learning platform.
The lecturer reserves the right to require a supplementary oral examination, including after the written examination has been completed, if deemed necessary to verify the student's effective acquisition of the knowledge and competencies envisaged by the course learning objectives and to ensure the appropriate assignment of the final grade.
Properties of language. Notions of phonetics and phonology. Word- and clause-structure. Elements of semantics. Typology. These topics are covered in the textbook by Berruto and Cerruti. The apeech event and intercultural communication: Case studies in different contexts (corporate communication, healthcare, commercial transactions, education). These topics will be covered in book chapters or journal articles listed in Leganto.
Materials to be prepared for the exam:
a) ATTENDING STUDENTS:
Hand-outs and notes of lectures. Book chapters and journal articles listed in Leganto.
b) NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS: Text Berruto, Gaetano/Cerruti, Massimo, 2022, La linguistica. Un corso introduttivo, third edition., Utet, Torino (chapters 1-4 and chapter 6). Book chapters and journal articles listed in Leganto.
If the teaching is given in a blended or remote format, changes regarding the course or the exams may be needed with respect to what is stated in the syllabus.
