LING 2000: Introduction to Linguistics
Linguistics is the scientific study of language. In this course you will learn how to analyze the structures and functions of human language(s). The central question in linguistics is “how does language work?” – a question of vital importance for many fields, including education, speech language pathology, forensics, language preservation, politics, marketing and communication, translation, artificial intelligence and medicine.
While all linguistic varieties differ from each other in a myriad of ways, there are systematic properties of language for which we can draw generalizations. In this course, you will learn how to analyze these systematic properties. All languages rely on the human body and cognitive system’s capacity to make and perceive sounds or signs, the study of phonetics. All languages have a specific inventory of sounds or signs, and the study of how they systematically behave is called phonology. All languages have words, and the study of their internal structure in each language is called morphology. All languages have particular rules and patterns for how words combine, which is the study of syntax. Crucially, the function of all languages is to communicate meaning. The study of meaning conventionally encoded in lexical items is called semantics, and the study of inferential meaning in context is called pragmatics. In addition, language is always used within a dynamic sociocultural context, and thus language use informs identity construction and social meaning, the study of sociocultural linguistics.
For each of these areas of study, you will learn how to draw generalizations based on accurate and concise observations about linguistic data, as well as reason about the social use of language. You will also practice using linguistic analysis to counter common linguistic myths and solve linguistic problems in realistic case studies.
Learning Objectives
- Use the basic tools of linguistic analysis to understand the fundamental properties of language(s);
- Reason about the issues involved in the social use of language;
- Draw generalizations based on accurate and concise observations about linguistic data;
- Communicate the importance of how language works to non-linguists.
In this course, you will
Work with classmates to uncover linguistic patterns and tackle real-world case studies;
Create a multimedia project that busts language myths or shows how linguistics applies to real-life situations;
Sharpen your skills through multiple chances to practice, improve, and demonstrate true mastery.
Rebecca Lee
Rebecca Lee (she/they) has a PhD in Linguistics from CU Boulder, and has taught courses in Linguistics as well as the Program for Writing and Rhetoric. Her dissertation on “rhetorical grammar” combines Linguistics, Writing Studies and the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. Rebecca works part time in the Center for Teaching and Learning at CU, where she mentors undergraduate students in projects that help bring the student perspective to the design of CU courses. In her free time she enjoys playing board games and hanging out with her partner, dog and cat.