Spanish Linguistics

Description
This subject attempts to familiarize students with the most important topics in Linguistics as a science of the language in general and more specifically, with Spanish Linguistics. During the course we will learn that human language, the most perfect sign system that exists today, is a complex and fascinating system, in constant evolution.

In the first part of this subject, we will study some of the main aspects of the Spanish language as a system, and its peculiarities as a means of social communication. We will also define the units of the linguistic system, and learn the terminology necessary to remove any barriers in the study of general and Spanish linguistics.

In the second part of this course, we will cover topics related to Spanish linguistic diversity. We will explore the world of linguistic universals and analyze the relationship between language and the worldview. We will also talk about dignity of languages and, the prejudices and clichés that exist in some of them. We will take a brief tour through the evolution of general and Spanish Linguistics, and their methods.

Content

• Communication. Verbal and nonverbal communication. Factors in linguistic communication. The communicative intention. Language functions.
• Signs: types. Natural and artificial semiological systems. The sciences that study signs. The linguistic sign: structure and characteristics.
• Language as a system. Phonic, morphosyntactic and lexical level.
• Language varieties: geographic, social and functional.
• Spanish linguistic diversity.
• Linguistic universals. Types
• . Language and the worldview.
• The dignity of languages. Prejudices and clichés in languages.
• Spanish Linguistics: evolution and methods.

Assessment
Students’ performance will be assessed on three different aspects:
Final exam (40%),
Mid-course exam (30%)
Attendance, active participation in class, completion of homework and programmed activities for class and home (30%).