OVERVIEW

This course is an introduction to general linguistics and its fundamental theories. It focuses on the following basic themes: language as a semiotic system. Levels of linguistic analysis. Semantics, pragmatics, textuality. Initiating reflection on the functioning of the multidimensional “language” system.

Students are requested to have a knowledge of the main morpho-syntactical structures of written and spoken Italian.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The teaching objectives that the present Module proposes attaining are the following: giving students knowledge of some distinctive features of the language semiotic system. Enabling students to discern the levels of linguistic analysis and the theoretical units regarding each level. Giving students some basic notions on the key-ideas of the fundamental paradigms (formal and functional) of 20th century linguistics. Making students aware of the dimensions of variation of language. Giving students basic notions of sociolinguistics. Enabling students to identify the main factors of textual cohesion in a text. Making students familiar with the pragmatic perspective on linguistic facts.

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures. Seminars. Written exercises. During lectures there will be a discussion of examples that help illustrate theoretical categories and stimulate metalinguistic awareness in its different dimensions. 

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The module is an introduction to general linguistics in its theoretical basis also with reference to epistemological paradigms of 20th century linguistics. Reflections on the main characteristics of language as a semiotic system will be initiated. Levels of linguistic analysis will be thematised with particular attention to semantics, pragmatics and textuality. The pragmatic dimension will function as a general framework within which the study of linguistic facts will be framed. 

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

G. Berruto, M. Cerruti, La linguistica. Un corso introduttivo, Torino, UTET Università, 2017 (II ed.), ad esclusione del cap. 4, pp. 159-181 e del cap. 5, pp. 212-224.

3 a scelta fra i seguenti capitoli di E. Benveniste, Problemi di linguistica generale, Milano, Il Saggiatore, 1971 (a disposizione presso l'ex-Istituto di Glottologia, Balbi 4, III piano):
Tendenze recenti della linguistica generale, pp. 9-26.
Saussure dopo cinquant’anni, pp. 43-58.
Comunicazione animale e linguaggio umano, pp. 70-78.
Natura del segno linguistico, pp. 61-69.
Le relazioni di tempo nel verbo francese, pp. 283-300.
La soggettività nel linguaggio, pp. 310-320.
La filosofia analitica e il linguaggio, pp. 321-331.
I verbi delocutivi, pp. 332-342.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

CLAUDIA CAFFI (President)

ROSA RONZITTI (President)

GUIDO GIOVANNI BORGHI

IRENE DE FELICE (Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

At the end of Prof. Ronzitti's syllabus.

Class schedule

GENERAL LINGUISTICS MODULE 1

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Written exam which will consist in answering 3 questions regarding the main themes presented during the course. A question will be focussed on one of the articles proposed (Benveniste).

 

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The written exam aims at verifying the acquisition of the disciplinary contents presented in the Course. In particular, the ability of discerning the different linguistic levels and the different units of analysis will be assessed. The ability of recognizing the dimensions of linguistic variation as well as the various means of textual cohesion will also be evaluated.  Finally, a criterion of evaluation will be the correcteness of the exposition, also from a formal viewpoint, as well as the correct use of technical terms.

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

The articles of Benveniste's book which will be the object of one of the questions in the written exam will be avaliable at the former 'Istituto di Glottologia', Balbi 4, III piano.