Linguistics
Linguistics is the scientific study of human language. Memorial University is home to the only Department of Linguistics in Atlantic Canada
It is an exploration of language structure, language variation, language change, the development of language. Linguists evaluate the different facets of language, like childhood acquisition of language, the sounds of language and the ways in which social groups use language.
Linguistics Electives
Below is a list of all Linguistics electives that anyone can register for, because they have no or just 1 prerequisite. For a complete list of our Linguisticscourses, see the university calendar.
Introduction to Linguistics
(LING 1100)
A general introduction to linguistic concepts which are important for understanding the nature of language and its function for communication. Topics include: languages as structured systems; the systematicity of language change; the classification of languages into families and their geographical distribution; language, the brain, and language disorders; the acquisition of language; and human vs animal communication.
Note: Same as Language 1800 or LING 1155, the former LING 2100
Introduction to Linguistic Analysis: Syntax
(LING 1103)
An introduction to the study of grammatical patterns in the structure of phrases and sentences. This course provides students with the tools to analyze phrase structure and syntactic constituency in English and other languages. Theoretical topics covered include case theory and agreement, principles of thematic role assignment, and different types of syntactic movement.
Note: Same as the former LING 2103
Introduction to Linguistic Analysis: Phonology
(LING 1104)
An introduction to the study of sound patterns in human languages. Basic empirical and theoretical issues in phonology are demonstrated through the analysis of data selected from English and other languages. Theoretical concepts surveyed include phonological features and contrasts, and syllable structure. These are examined through the study of allophony, allomorphy, and processes such as assimilation and neutralization.
Note: Same as the former LING 2104
The Wonder of Words
(LING 1105)
An introduction to the structure of words. This course presents methods of linguistic analysis through an in-depth study of English word origins. The French, Latin and Greek origins of technical and scientific words are studied, together with the ways that these words may change in structure, sound, and meaning. The course will also provide an introduction to etymology, to writing systems and transliteration, and to the use of dictionaries.
Note: Same as the former LING 2105; credit may not be obtained for both the former LING 2105 and the former LING 1101
Linguistics for Language Learners and Teachers
(LING 1155)
Introduces and explains the concepts and terminology useful for formal language instruction. The primary focus is on understanding the structure of various levels of language (meaning, pronunciation, words, sentences, conversations, society and culture, and change), specifically as these structures relate to second language learning. The secondary focus is on research on learning and teaching and the natural acquisition of language.
Note: Same as Language 1800, LING 1100, and not applicable towards the Bachelor of Arts Language Study Requirement
Introduction to Inuttitut I
(LING 2025)
Introduces students to Inuttitut (Eskimo). Students develop a working knowledge of basic vocabulary and grammar, as well as a number of linguistic concepts that enable them to consult a wide range of reference books. A strong emphasis is placed on oral skills. This course is intended for students who want to learn an Indigenous language spoken in Newfoundland and Labrador. All sections of this course follow the Language Study Course Guidelines available at www.mun.ca/hss/ls.
Introduction to Inuttitut II
(LING 2026)
A continuation of LING 2025. Students learn further vocabulary and grammar of the language. They are also required to submit a project based on their own investigation of some aspect of the grammar of the language (based on either reference books or fieldwork). A strong emphasis is placed on oral skills. This course is intended for students who want to learn an Indigenous language spoken in Newfoundland and Labrador. All sections of this course follow the Language Study Course Guidelines available at www.mun.ca/hss/ls.
Prerequisite: LING 2025
Indigenous Languages of Eastern Canada
(LING 2060)
An overview of the Indigenous languages of three language families of Eastern Canada: Eskimo-Aleut (Inuttitut) and Algonquian (Innu-aimun, Mi'kmaq, Maliseet-Pasamaquoddy and Beothuk) and Iroquoian (Mohawk) with respect to both linguistic structure and current vitality. The course also reviews a history of language suppression and revitalization efforts, within the context of the larger issues of minority language attrition and maintenance, is also considered.
Introduction to Language Acquisition
(LING 2120)
Examines critical issues in language acquisition, in light of the most central theoretical perspectives in this area of research. The course combines experimental evidence from infant speech perception with corpus data documenting speech production abilities in first language learners. Issues in second language acquisition and developmental language disorders are also discussed whenever relevant, and as part of dedicated lectures. Data from different populations of learners and across many different languages serve to illustrate the discussion, whenever relevant.
Note: Same as the former LING 3155
Prerequisite: Language 1800 or LING 1100 or LING 1155, or the former LING 2100 or waiver in special cases by the Head of the Department
Language in Newfoundland and Labrador: An Introduction to Linguistic Variation (LING 2210)
Examines linguistic variation and language change in the languages of Newfoundland and Labrador. Topics covered include the concept of variation within language, both regional and social, the chief causes of such variation, and some of its societal consequences. As a Quantitative Reasoning course, practical workshops and assignments focus on producing a final scientific research report using quantitative analysis, graphical representation of numerical data, and logical reasoning involving numbers. All sections of this course follow Quantitative Reasoning guidelines available at www.mun.ca/hss/qr.
Note: may not be used as both a Quantitative Reasoning course and the former Research/Writing
Linguistics and Law
(LING 2220)
An overview of the many relationships between linguistics and the judicial process. Topics to be covered include: the language of legal texts, and the Plain English movement; language use in legal settings (such as eyewitness testimony, jury instructions, and the language of lawyer-client interactions); the legal disadvantages which language may impose on speakers of minority languages and non-standard dialects; and the emerging discipline of forensic linguistics (which deals with such issues as voice and authorship identification, and linguistic interpretation of evidence).
Note: Same as the former LING 3220
Philosophy of Language and Mind
(LING 2300)
A survey of philosophical thinking about human language and thought, and about how these phenomena relate to the rest of the natural world. Topics covered include the nature of language, the relations between thought and language, and the nature of consciousness.
Note: Same as Philosophy 2060, the former LING 2710, the former Philosophy 2300, the former Philosophy 2710
Morphology
(LING 3000)
An introduction to the study of word structure, which provides a comprehensive overview of morphological phenomena in a wide variety of languages. Topics include inflection, derivation, morphophonology, and operations which change grammatical functions.
Prerequisite: LING 1103 or the former LING 2103 and LING 1104 or the former LING 2104 or waiver in special cases by the Head of the Department
Syntactic Theory
(LING 3100)
Builds on the basic concepts from LING 1103 and extends them to include cross-linguistic variation from a variety of language families and language types. New topics examined include the foundations of phrase structure, binding theory, phase theory and parametric variation.
Prerequisite: LING 1103 or the former LING 2103 or waiver in special cases by the Head of the Department
Phonetics
(LING 3104)
Provides a thorough grounding in pronouncing, transcribing and acoustically analyzing the sounds of the world's languages. Material covered includes study of the vocal anatomy, phonetic transcription of speech data from both English and a variety of the world's languages, as well as basic concepts of acoustic analysis and speech perception. This involves the close examination of data from many of the world's languages, which illustrates how widely languages can differ in their selection and organization of speech sounds.
Prerequisite: Language 1800 or LING 1100 or LING 1155, or waiver in special cases by the Head of the Department
Phonological Theory
(LING 3201)
Presents terms, concepts, and methods of studying phonological representations and phonological processes. Topics include segmental and prosodic aspects of phonological patterning, including stress, tone, and harmony systems. The course also addresses challenges posed by transparent and opaque interactions between different components of phonological systems. These concepts are exemplified using phenomena observed across natural languages. The course also introduces the basics of constraint-based approaches to phonological theory.
Prerequisite: LING 1104 or the former LING 2104 or waiver in special cases by the Head of the Department
Introduction to Sociolinguistics
(LING 3210)
Introduces the methods and theory underlying current approaches to the relationship between language and society. Topics covered include the concept of variation within language, both regional and social; the linguistic and social causes of such variation; and the means by which societies shape linguistic choices and behaviour.
Prerequisite: Language 1800 or LING 1100 or LING 1155, or the former LING 2100 or LING 2210 or waiver in special cases by the Head of the Department
Historical Linguistics
(LING 3500)
Focuses on the genetic relationships between languages, using the comparative method, as well as on language change (as documented in phonetics/phonology, morphology, and syntax). Lexical and semantic change are also investigated, as is the role of language/dialect contact. The course covers the basis for comparative and internal language reconstruction, as well as the typological and genetic classification of languages.
Prerequisite: LING 1103 or the former LING 2103 and LING 1104 or the former LING 2104 or waiver in special cases by the Head of the Department
Introduction to Semantics
(LING 3850)
Examines the foundations of semantics, the study of linguistic meaning. The focus is on sentence-level semantics, involving both lexical meaning and logical/quantificational semantic operations. How do utterances get their meanings? How do we combine simple meanings to create complex ones? How are meanings connected to syntactic structure and intonation? What does context contribute to meaning? Set theory is introduced, as is some formal logic (from propositional logic to a typed lambda-calculus). All sections of this course follow Quantitative Reasoning guidelines available at www.mun.ca/hss/qr.
Prerequisite: LING 1103 or the former LING 2103 is required or waiver in special cases by the Head of the Department. LING 3000 and 3100 are recommended.
Special Topics in Linguistics
(LING 3950-3960, excluding 3951)
Will have topics to be studied announced by the Department.
Language Endangerment and Revitalization
(LING 3951)
Provides an introduction to the key issues surrounding the discussion of endangered languages. Causes, consequences, and efforts to reverse the process of decline (language revitalization or maintenance) are examined through consideration of case studies from around the world. Theoretical models developed to evaluate the current status and future prospects of endangered languages are also considered. The course is likely to include substantial discussion of the situation in Canada and the USA.
Prerequisite: Language 1800 or LING 1100 or LING 1155, or the former LING 2100 or waiver in special cases by the Head of the Department
Linguistics 4010-4091
Will focus on the linguistic structure of certain languages, and are designed to provide senior students with the opportunity to be exposed to a substantial part of the grammar of a language other than those regularly offered in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. One course in this series will be offered each year, subject to availability of instructor.
Prerequisite: LING 1103 or the former LING 2103 and LING 1104 or the former LING 2104 or the permission of the instructor
Introduction to Field Methods
(LING 4500)
Focuses on data collection and organization for an unfamiliar language in a simulated field situation, including methods of elicitation, data filing, preliminary analysis, and hypothesis formation and testing. In this course, students learn to apply theoretical concepts from all major Linguistics sub-disciplines, including phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, and historical linguistics. This course is usually offered in alternate years.
Prerequisite: LING 1103 or the former LING 2103 and LING 1104 or the former LING 2104 or waiver in special cases by the Head of the Department