LEARNING OUTCOMES

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. Methods of teaching.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

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.

PREREQUISITES

A good knowledge of Italian, Greek and Latin.

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures, distribution of materials at lectures in class and via Aulaweb, phonetical exercises, dictation in Ancient Greek.

Class will be held face-to-face.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

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.

Programme for students taking the course for 9 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.

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

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.

Reconstruction of Indo-European. The phonological system of Indo-European reconstructed. Elements of Indo-European morphology and syntax. Reading of texts with glottological comment from more languages.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

See the Italian part.