Linguistic experiments – empirical approaches to the study of language

elective courses

Classroom

The aim of the course is to introduce students to the greatest achievements in the field of empirical linguistics in the broadest sense. As part of the course, students will be introduced to the basic designs and results of research in speech perception, pragmatics and linguistic semantics, social aspects of dialectal and subdialectal differences, the psychology of language, language evolution, as well as first language acquisition and bilingualism.

The aim of the course is to introduce students to the greatest achievements in the field of empirical linguistics in the broadest sense. As part of the course, students will be introduced to the basic designs and results of research in speech perception, pragmatics and linguistic semantics, social aspects of dialectal and subdialectal differences, the psychology of language, language evolution, as well as first language acquisition and bilingualism. The formula of the class will be a combination of mini-lectures with discussion of readings and analysis of scientific discoveries and their impact on our understanding of language as a system involving a series of cognitive processes. On the practical side, students will consider how to design experiments, how to formulate research hypotheses, how to choose the appropriate methodology and how to implement and describe research findings.

The monograph will be conducted in a flexible manner, depending on the initial knowledge and interests of the group. The course will be useful for any person interested in linguistics and its achievements from an empirical perspective. This is especially true for socio-, psycho- and neurolinguistic research. The subject is also a good introduction to building your own research expertise, analysing existing literature and presenting or summarizing the results of scientific research. The focus will be on improving scientific reasoning and interpreting scientific articles, so it is especially useful for those who are about to face the demanding task of writing a master's thesis.

Student’s contribution to the course:

30hrs – participation in classes

30hrs – readings and literature analysis

30hrs – preparation of a final group assignment

Aitchison, J. (2007). The articulate mammal: An introduction to psycholinguistics. London: Routledge.

Blom, E. & Unsworth, S. (Eds.) (2010). Experimental methods in language acquisition research. Amsterdam & Philadelphia: John Benjamins.

Litosseliti, L. (Ed.). (2010). Research methods in linguistics. Continuum.

Gonzalez-Marquez, M. (Ed.). (2007). Methods in cognitive linguistics (Vol. 18). John Benjamins Publishing.

Rosenberg, S. (2014). Handbook of applied psycholinguistics: major thrusts of research and theory. Hove: Psychology Press.

Stemmer, B., & Whitaker, H. A. (Eds.). (2008). Handbook of the Neuroscience of Language. Academic Press.

Wei, L. & Moyer, M. (2008). Blackwell guide to research methods in bilingualism and multilingualism. Oxford: Blackwell.

Knowledge: the student

- has in-depth knowledge of selected scientific discoveries in the field of linguistics and at the intersection of linguistics and other disciplines

- knows the basic methodology of scientific research in experimental linguistics and psycho- and neurolinguistics, and is able to find its applications to the sub-discipline and language in which he/she is interested.

Skills: the student is able to

- independently analyse scientific research, interpret its results and develop individual projects involving experimental research on similar topics

- independently formulate research hypotheses and predicted research results, as well as the steps to be taken to implement a scientific investigation on their basis.

Social competences: the student is ready to

- reliably communicate the conclusions of the discussed and similar experiments, indicate their usefulness and connection with the current state of knowledge of linguistic phenomena

- initiate and carry out linguistic research, summarise the results of language research and communicate it in a way accessible to the general public, focusing on the social implications of linguistic research and findings.

Assessment method:

- regular attendance: max. 2 absences allowed.

- active participation in class and discussion of assigned readings (20%).

- online tasks and quizzes at Kampus2 (50%)

- final group assignment (30%).