Introduction to linguistics

obligatory courses

The course is aimed at guided reflection about the natural language, its definition and social functioning. The reflection is based on reading of theoretical texts and discussion of issues presented in them

Classroom

The course addresses such issues as: definitions of natural language as system and as means of communication; relevant features of natural language; the distinction between the system and its use; functions of language and of utterances; selected issues of pragmatics.

1. Selected methodological problems of linguistics.

2. The notion of natural language. Language as a two-class system of double-patterned arbitrary signs. Classification of languages: ethnic languages and secondary languages, living languages and dead languages; the status of constructed languages; spoken and sign languages.

3. The principal features of natural language: arbitrariness; the issue of phonicity; double patterning; two-class and creativity; universality; abstractness; polysemy; interchangeability; reflexiveness; prevarication; displacement; cultural transmission.

4. The system and the system's use; langue vs. parole; the limits of systems, the problem of meaning.

5. The functions of language and the functions of utterances: Jakobsonian's functions and the functions of texts and utterances; social functions of language.

6. Language in action I. The structure of a communicative act. Speech acts.

7. Language in action II. Linguistic Politeness.

8. Morphology and Syntax: basic terms.

1. Magdalena Derwojedowa i in. (red.): Język polski. Kompendium. Warszawa 2005, Świat Książki.

2. Renata Grzegorczykowa: Wstęp do językoznawstwa. Warszawa 2007, Wydawnictwo Naukowe PWN.

3. Jean Aitchison: Ziarna mowy. Warszawa 2002, Państwowy Instytut Wydawniczy.

4. Jadwiga Linde-Usiekniewicz: „Językowe, międzyjęzykowe, kulturowe i międzykulturowe aspekty grzeczności” w: M. Marcjanik (red.), Grzeczność na krańcach świata. Warszawa 2007, Wydawnictwa Akademickie i Profesjonalne, str. 15–36.

5. Małgorzata Kita: „»Grzeczność wszystkim należy, lecz każdemu inna« : o wielości odmian grzeczności językowej”. Postscriptum Polonistyczne 2016, nr 1(17), 193-212.

6. Materiały udostępnione przez prowadzącego.

Knowledge:

Upon completing the course the student knows:

- basic methods of analysis of scientific and scientific-related texts related to the issues discussed in class;

K_W02

- basic terminology, subject and fields of research in linguistics;

K_W03

- on a basic level: selected methodological problems of linguistics, including historical linguistics, with particular emphasis on research on the Spanish language;

K_W07

- on a basic level: issues and terminology in the field of morphology and syntax, with particular emphasis on the morphology and syntax of Polish and Spanish language.

K_W08

Abilities:

Upon completing the course the student knows how to:

- read with understanding scientific and scientific-related texts with a linguistic profile, as well as analyze them, including the basic terminology learned in class;

K_U01 / K_U03

- present his own views and opinions on the issues / texts discussed in class, as well as prepare a short oral presentation which includes basic theoretical approaches, research paradigms and concepts specific to linguistics;

K_U02 / K_U06 / K_U07

- write and edit a short essay and use basic theoretical approaches, research paradigms and concepts specific to linguistics;

K_U05 / K_U07

- independently acquire knowledge and develop skills using appropriate sources from the field of linguistics (dictionaries, lexicons, encyclopedias, source texts, monographic studies, etc.).

K_U04

Social competences:

Upon completion of the course the student is capable of:

- critical assessment of his own knowledge and skills, understands the need for continuous improvement and development in the field of linguistics;

K_K01

- independent planning and organizing his work, cooperating with colleagues and applying the principles of modern language etiquette, with particular emphasis on the principles of politeness and non-discriminatory language guidelines specific to Polish and Spanish language.

K_K02 / K_K03 / K_K04

Final essay