Glottology is one of the greatest acquisitions of linguistic science. It developed in Germany from the second half of the 19th century and led to the genealogical classification of languages and the reconstruction of the ancestors from which historical languages descended.
Thanks to the comparative-reconstructive method we can reconstruct proto-phonemes, proto-words and proto-texts that demonstrate the common origin of most Eurasian culture.
General linguistics is the study of language and languages. A specific objective of a linguistic theory is to define the language as a system: each semiotic system, verbal and non verbal. Beyond a more immanent perspective aimed at the study of specific systems, especially verbal ones, ‘our’ and ‘other’ historical languages, ancient and modern languages, general Linguistics courses affect various sectors of interdisciplinary research. Introduction to historical-comparative linguistics: Classification of languages: linguistic relations and affinities (with specific reference to Indo-European languages). Comparison and reconstruction: objectives, methods and limits / Profile of comparative Indo-European grammar: Glottological reading and comment of language texts.
The course enables students to master the comparative-reconstructive method and to evaluate the history of classical languages as an evolution along thousand-year genetic axes of a proto-language called Indo-European, recognisable in its historical forms in a dozen linguistic branches and in a comparison among Latin, Greek, Sanskrit (Vedic) and Gothic
Lectures, distribution of materials at lectures and with Aulaweb.
Programme for students taking the course for 6 cfu
Linguistics and glottology. Fundamentals of the discipline. Synchronic and diachronic study of languages, phonetics and phonology, morphology, variability of languages, classification of languages: genealogical affinities and relations among languages.
More synthetically: Berruto-Cerruti’s manual indicated in the first module and parts of the Morani-Gobber manual indicated in the first module.
Programme for students taking the course for 9 cru
More synthetically: Berruto-Cerruti’s manual indicated in the first module and parts of the Morani-Gobber manual indicated in the first module and a chosen part of Greek and Latin linguistic prehistory.
Programme for the second cycle of lectures.
Reconstruction of Indo-European. The phonological system of Indo-European reconstructed. Elements of Indo-European morphology and syntax. Reading of texts with glottological comment.
Programme for students taking the course for 12 cfu
ROSA RONZITTI (President)
GUIDO GIOVANNI BORGHI
CLAUDIA CAFFI
HISTORICAL LINGUISTICS
The assessment method consists of an oral test that examines the entire programme undertaken at lectures.
(manuals and commented texts).
Students who do not attend are urged to contact teaching staff at least a month before taking the exam.
